Senegal to host 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Senegal is preparing to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) from October 31 to November 13, making it the first African nation to organize an Olympic event of this scale. President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has called for national mobilization through the ‘DUNDAL JOJ’ campaign, emphasizing that the games should serve as a unifying cause beyond political divisions.

The event is expected to drive economic growth in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transport, and digital services. The competitions will take place across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, featuring 2,700 athletes with full gender parity.

Regarding media coverage, hundreds of television channels will broadcast the events, including the Senegalese public broadcaster RTS. International coverage will be provided by the International Olympic Committee via Olympics.com and the Olympic Channel in English and French. The organizing committee has accredited approximately 630 media outlets to cover the games.