With less than a year and a half to go before the start of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, preparations continue to ramp up in Senegal. The recent seventh meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission marked a new milestone in the event’s planning, reaffirming the shared commitment of the IOC and the Local Organizing Committee to turn these Games into a lasting legacy for African youth. The meeting brought together key figures such as Humphrey Kayange, the new chair of the Commission, and IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry, along with other members who participated remotely.
The meeting celebrated significant progress, including the finalization of the master venue plan and the introduction of key initiatives such as the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy. The Western Corniche of Dakar was confirmed as the road cycling route and as the main hub for youth activities with the Espace Let’s Move. Additionally, the evolution of the event’s organizational structure was highlighted, alongside the strengthening of cooperation between the IOC, the Organizing Committee, and various national stakeholders.
Preparations, legacy and inclusion: the pillars of Dakar 2026
The Coordination Commission praised progress on multiple fronts, from infrastructure and operational planning to the promotion of legacy. The Dakar 2026 Learning Academy, which will train more than 400 young professionals, aims to empower the new generation and ensure the organizational sustainability of the event. At the same time, advancements in areas such as technology, marketing, security, and services reflect the shift toward a more operational phase, with an Organizing Committee adapting to the demands of the final stretch. According to Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange, the momentum gained and the clarity of the shared vision are reasons for confidence: “We are entering the home stretch with renewed energy and strong commitment from all involved parties.”
One of the flagship locations will be Dakar’s Corniche, home to the Espace Let’s Move, envisioned as an inclusive gathering point for youth and families. This area will offer participatory sports, cultural workshops, educational activities, and live performances, all within a festive atmosphere that promotes Olympic values. Additionally, the return of the “Dakar en Jeux” festival in November 2025 was confirmed, serving as a prelude to the Games. Dakar 2026, which will bring together young athletes from around the world between October 31 and November 13, is shaping up to be a transformative event that will place Africa at the heart of the youth Olympic movement.
