Dakar 2026: Africa’s First Youth Olympic Games prepare for historic debut

Dakar 2026 is set to make history by hosting the first-ever Youth Olympic Games (YOG) on African soil from October 31 to November 13, 2026. Under the banner “Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates,” the event will gather 2,700 young athletes competing in 25 sports.

Preparations are accelerating across venues in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. A major innovation for these Games is the introduction of full gender parity, with an equal number of events for male and female athletes.

Embodying this youth-focused spirit, the mascot Ayo a lion wearing a traditional hat represents Senegalese cultural pride.

 President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has declared the successful organization of the Games a “national priority.”

Beyond the competition, the goal is to build a lasting legacy, including through a Sports Academy.

The Dakar 2026 YOG aim to act as a catalyst for youth and a beacon of hope for the continent.