JOJ Dakar 2026: The countdown accelerates

Keywords : JOJ Dakar 2026

Description: A few weeks away from the Dakar 2026 Olympic Games, Senegal is accelerating the final preparations to host the first Olympic event in Africa.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are fast approaching. Within a month of the opening, Senegal is entering the final phase of preparation before this historic event.

From 31 October to 13 November, the YOG will bring together approximately 2,700 young athletes around twenty disciplines. The competitions will take place mainly in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, with several new or rehabilitated infrastructures for the occasion.

Senegal has already taken several important steps. The Iba Mar Diop Stadium and the Dakar Olympic Pool were received. The Olympic Village of Diamniadio and the Equestrian Centre also made significant progress. In July, the Ministry of Youth and Sports announced a 92% implementation rate for Games infrastructure.

However, the latest adjustments remain numerous. In particular, remediation and stormwater management work must be completed by 15 October. This deadline concerns several sites in Dakar and Diamniadio, while the authorities want to secure the facilities before the delegations arrive.

The government also worked on reception conditions. By August, 74 agreements had been signed with partner hotels for nearly 2,500 rooms reserved for accredited persons. The security programme was also finalized and the recruitment of volunteers continued.

Another important aspect is the issue of travel. In particular, the authorities have planned specific measures around the competition sites and the Olympic Village. The start-up of the TER link between Diamniadio and Blaise-Diagne International Airport was one of the deadlines set for the latter phase.

Beyond infrastructure, Dakar also prepares the animation and support of young participants. The cultural programme of the opening ceremony and the various sites has been finalized, while the Olympic flame route is intended to extend the event beyond the sports arenas.

With these Games, Senegal is preparing to host the first Olympic event on African soil. Within a few weeks of the kick-off, the aim is now to transform the construction projects and preparations into a fully operational organization by 31 October.