The capital of Senegal is currently hosting the 2026 Youth Olympics, the first African country to do so. OkayAfrica spoke with residents in Dakar on what this moment means to them.

Nelson C.J. Lagos-Based West Africa Correspondent

If you’re in Dakar for a reason other than the Youth Olympic Games, the celebratory scene on display will have you rethinking your itinerary. Colourful banners fly high across the city, and the official Games mascot ‘Ayo’ is almost always around every corner exhibiting sporting prowess. From the Blaise Diagne International Airport to city centres and the farther corners, you will be reminded that ‘Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates’ which is the official slogan of the Games. 

Abdoulaye Wade Stadium was the point of a breathtaking opening ceremony, a resplendent show of not only Senegalese culture, but African culture at large. IOC President Kirsty Coventry and Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially opened the games and the Olympic flame was lit following a procession by local youth athletes. Nigerian poet Ibukunoluwa Ajagbe performed a powerful poem about Africa’s innate powers and combined strength in unity, which has since sent shockwaves across the internet.

This edition of the Youth Olympic Games is its ninth edition since inception in 2010, and the fourth summer games. Dakar 2026 marks a historic moment for Africa, becoming the first Olympic event hosted on African soil. It is an important point for Africa, as we’re actively writing new narratives about the continent, in the same year it was revealed that Africa’s true size on the Mercator map was misrepresented for centuries.

Events are held across three sites: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, with each venue hosting a distinct array of events, and Senegal’s culture of ‘Teranga’ making the world feel at home in Africa. Athletes, national delegations, international federations, staff and volunteers have access to free transport across sites, and to mitigate the sweltering heat unusual for this time of year, cooling stations have been placed across sites as well as in the Olympic Village.

The games are set to run until November 13, and in place of a traditional closing ceremony, is a festival to cap off the celebratory mood that is punctuating the entire city. As Ibukunoluwa Ajagbe’s poem read “If we can do so much apart, imagine what happens when 54 nations move as one,” Dakar is leaving the blueprint for what a new frontier for Africa could look like.

OkayAfrica spoke to a few locals on what this moment means to them and the energy on ground feel like:

Aminata Ba, Geography student

I’d say that Dakar is currently living and breathing the Games. There’s a real buzz, a festive atmosphere, and a lot of enthusiasm. You can feel a collective sense of unity, both among Senegalese people and visitors. It’s a special atmosphere that reflects the pride of an entire nation in hosting this historic event. Above all, it’s a source of immense pride and a sense of responsibility. This is a historic moment for Senegal, but also for all of Africa. It shows that our continent has the capacity to host and organize international sporting events. As a volunteer, I’m particularly happy to contribute, in my own small way, to the success of this historic first. It’s an experience I’ll certainly remember for a long time. I am not merely an observer of this event; through my involvement, I am also a participant in it. Since I’m assigned to the Iba Mar Diop Complex as part of the EVS team, I especially plan to watch the competitions taking place there—such as track and field, taekwondo, and 7s rugby—after my shifts. I’d also like to take this opportunity to check out the other sports taking place at the Diamniadio venues, particularly fencing at the Dakar Expo Center and equestrian events at the Equestrian Complex.

Abdou Touré, Youth Olympic Games Ambassador

The atmosphere in—and especially around—the neighborhoods hosting the Youth Olympic Games is festive; there’s a rush at the ticket offices. I feel a great deal of joy and pride because Senegal has shown that we are a great nation that knows how to organize and welcome the world. I plan to attend the equestrian and gymnastics events with my daughters. I am an official ambassador for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.

Diarra Amar, Olympic Village Coordinator

The energy in town is great , everyone is happy and looking forward to watching the games, the streets are full of decoration and signage that shows that the games are here. Being an Olympic Village Coordinator is not an easy task but I have the chance to work with great people that are always willing to put effort in the work and communicate well. Having my country hosting these is such an honor, pride and pleasure especially at this phase of delivery because so many doubts were raised, wondering if we were really ready and able and all that so I’m glad we’re making it. For the games I went to watch swimming pool yesterday and then gymnastics on Saturday, and maybe skateboard on Wednesday.