Senegal: Youth Olympic Games face economic realities

With one month to go before the start of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) scheduled in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, 2026, the event is struggling to generate enthusiasm among the population of Dakar. According to RFI Sports, daily concerns related to the cost of living, employment, and economic difficulties dominate conversations, relegating the sports competition to the background of residents' priorities.

The country is going through a complex economic period marked by the 2024 discovery of debt inherited from the previous regime. This situation has led to an erosion of trust among international partners, although an agreement in principle was recently reached with the International Monetary Fund for a $2.2 billion program. In this context, many citizens are questioning the appropriateness of the investments made in sports infrastructure.

The 2026 budget allocates approximately 139 million euros to infrastructure related to the YOG, supplemented by an 80 million euro loan from the French Development Agency. These works have led to urban redevelopment, causing dissatisfaction among some informal traders who were forced to leave public spaces. For these workers, the resources mobilized would have been more useful in supporting agriculture or local employment.

Despite this climate of skepticism, some economic actors see positive prospects. At the Soumbédioune craft village, artisans hope that the arrival of foreign delegations will stimulate local trade. While the priority remains meeting basic needs such as access to water, electricity, and affordable food, a portion of the population hopes that the influx of visitors will boost the national economy during the Games.

Our perspective

The organization of an international event in Africa must above all serve the aspirations of local populations. While sport is a vector of pride, its legitimacy rests on its ability to integrate harmoniously into social development. The dignity of citizens, their right to work, and a decent living environment remain the essential pillars upon which any project of African sovereignty and unity must be built.