Dakar to Host Africa's First Olympic Event in 2026

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will mark the first Olympic sporting event held on African soil, scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026. The Games will take place across three host cities: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, featuring around 2,700 athletes competing in 25 sports.

Dakar was confirmed as the host city at the 133rd International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in 2018, selected over Botswana and Tunisia. Originally planned for 2022, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The official motto will be rendered in French and Wolof. The competition will include 153 medal events, with 73 for men, 73 for women, and 7 mixed events.

Additionally, there will be engagement sports designed to introduce young people to new sporting experiences, including paddlesport, climbing, and golf, which will not award medals. Key venues in Dakar include the Tour de l'Oeuf and Stade Iba Mar Diop, while Diamniadio will host four venues ready for use.