Senegal will make history on 31 October 2026 when Dakar hosts the inaugural African Youth Olympic Games, marking the first time any Olympic event has been held on the continent. Around 2,700 athletes will compete across 25 sports, with events spread across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, and the opening ceremony set to take place at the newly built Abdoulaye Wade Stadium. Officials from the International Olympic Committee describe the Games as more than a sporting occasion, citing Africa's overwhelmingly young population and hopes that the event will generate jobs and long-term opportunities in a country where unemployment among 15-to-34-year-olds exceeds 27%.