In a historic milestone for the continent, Senegal is gearing up to host the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, marking the first time an Olympic sporting event will be held on African soil.

The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place over two weeks, from October 31, 2026, bringing together 2,700 of the world’s best young athletes. The event will be held in three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.

According to the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC), the YOG will serve as a catalyst to transform Senegal through sport, inspiring new hope, opportunities, and confidence among young people across Africa. The event is also envisioned to become a blueprint for future YOG hosts.

The Games’ motto, “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates,” underscores the uniqueness of this YOG edition, with Senegal being the first African country to host an Olympic sports event. The motto embodies the Senegalese Teranga, the host nation’s generosity of spirit and hospitality, combined with sport, youth, hope, and celebration.

Thirty-five International Federations will be involved in the Games, with 25 sports featuring on the competition programme and 10 as part of the engagement programme. The competition programme will include sports such as athletics, aquatics, archery, badminton, and basketball, among others.

In addition to the competition programme, Dakar 2026 will feature an engagement programme showcasing 10 sports, including canoe-kayak, golf, hockey, and karate. These sports will be promoted through interactive activities on site and via digital platforms.

The Games will feature 151 events, split equally between men and women, with 72 events for each, alongside seven mixed-gender events. Notably, Dakar 2026 will achieve full gender equality, not only in the overall athlete quota but also across every sport, discipline, and event.

The YOG Dakar 2026 promises to be a groundbreaking event, marking a significant milestone for African sport and inspiring a new generation of young athletes across the continent.