Taking place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will be the first Olympic sports event to take place on African soil.

Drawing on this historical significance, the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games will see youth and sport unite in peaceful competition and drive the transformation of Senegal, the host nation, while providing a source of inspiration for the whole of Africa.

Marking a milestone for the continent, Dakar 2026 will be the first Olympic event held in Africa. More than just a sporting event, it will be an opportunity to highlight Senegal’s cultural wealth and Africa’s growing role in the Olympic Movement. By celebrating the continent’s diversity and potential, the Games aim to inspire and set a reference point for future Youth Olympic hosts.

The 4th Summer YOG will also be a platform for mutual exchange. They will introduce the world’s best young athletes to Teranga – the Wolof word that embodies Senegal’s unique spirit of warmth, respect and hospitality – while promoting the Olympic values among young people in Senegal and across the African continent. Teranga is deeply rooted in Senegalese life, reflecting a culture of generosity and openness toward others.

More than just a sporting event, Dakar 2026 represents a platform for cultural exchange activities and the promotion of African and other cultures around the world. Acting as a catalyst to engage Senegal’s young people through the development of national sport and youth policies and the spirit of volunteering, it aims to transform their lives and bring sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits.

It will also be the first edition of the Youth Olympic Games to feature a Refugee Olympic Team, composed of athletes based in Africa. This reflects the International Olympic Committee’s continued commitment to supporting refugees and displaced persons through sport at all levels.