Dakar hosted the inaugural African 3×3 Elite Youth Camp from 31 October to 2 November, organized by the International Basketball Federation -FIBA- in cooperation with Olympic Solidarity. The initiative aimed to strengthen the development pathway for young players, coaches and referees from several African countries, reinforcing the long-term structure of 3×3 basketball on the continent.
Senegal, Kenya, Egypt and Algeria took part, with the Senegalese Basketball Federation overseeing logistical coordination. A total of 42 participants attended the camp, evenly divided between male and female athletes. Each country was represented by four boys and four girls in the U16 category, accompanied by one male and one female coach. As the host nation, Senegal also included two additional coaches per gender and 15 observer coaches.
3×3 and its pathway towards Dakar 2026
Since its inclusion in the Olympic Games programme, 3×3 has gained a significant role in international basketball. Its dynamic and accessible format has supported its expansion among youth categories, particularly in regions where school and community sport serve as foundational structures. In Africa, this model encourages participation and talent identification at an early age.
The camp was directly aligned with preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which will be held in Senegal. Egypt, Kenya and Algeria are among the highest-ranked African nations in youth categories according to the FIBA rankings and have expressed their intention to participate in Dakar 2026. Hosting the camp in the Senegalese capital contributes to strengthening both technical preparation and competitive readiness ahead of the continental presence in the Games.
Technical methodology and integrated development
Training sessions for players and coaches were led by Karim Souchu, head coach of the French men’s national 3×3 team. The programme combined theoretical analysis with skill-based drills specific to the 3×3 format and workshops focused on decision-making, game reading and spatial efficiency in small-sided play.
The camp also included training for referees and table officials, coordinated by Corinne Taeye and Najib Chajiddine, both with international experience under the FIBA framework. Participants worked on game management, officiating protocols and score table procedures, while observer coaches engaged in applied learning exchanges across national federations.
Cultural experience and closing activity
On the final day, participants visited the African Renaissance Monument, adding a cultural and symbolic dimension to the development experience. The camp concluded with a friendly tournament featuring the four participating nations, where Egypt won both the boys’ and girls’ competitions.
The closing ceremony was attended by institutional representatives, including Mathieu Faye, Secretary General of the National Olympic and Sports Committee of Senegal; Babacar Ndiaye, President of the Senegalese Basketball Federation; and Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League. The event reaffirmed the commitment of international bodies and national federations to support the growth and development of 3×3 basketball across Africa.
