Africa prepares for historic Olympic moment at Dakar 2026

When the Youth Olympics begin in Senegal in 100 days’ time, it will mark a first on African soil. For all the global icons and champions the continent has provided across events such as athletics, football and boxing, it has never hosted an Olympic competition. Dakar 2026, which gets under way on 31 October, is set to change that.

“It is monumental,” International Olympic Committee (IOC) official Christophe Dubi told BBC Sport Africa. “Africa has hosted many international competitions, but this is the first time we have anything labelled with the Olympic rings. “The entire continent will be celebrating with Dakar hosting.” Dakar was chosen as host city in October 2018 and the Games, initially planned for 2022, were postponed until this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing more time for planning.

It will be held at venues across the Senegalese capital, as well as in the towns of Diamniadio and Saly. Thierno Cisse, deputy chief operating officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Games, says preparations are firmly on track – and that the entire country is aware of the responsibility which comes with being Africa’s first Olympic host. “We know we are going to be ambassadors for Africa during this period,” he told the BBC. “It’s really important for us as a country to proudly represents the whole continent and show that Africa has high standards.” Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with 70% of people living in sub-Saharan regions under 30 according to the United Nations.