Senegal considers Dakar-2026 Olympics as tool for city transformation

The Dakar 2026 Youth Summer Olympic Games should not just be a sporting event for Senegal, but also a tool for the country's long-term urban, social, and territorial transformation, stated Sekou Omar Diedou, a representative of Senegal's Ministry of Urban Planning, Local Government Bodies, and Territorial Development, during a panel discussion held within the framework of WUF13 in Baku, Report informs

"This is the most important historic event for Senegal, not just as a sporting event, but primarily as a tool for urban, social, and territorial transformation," he emphasized.

According to Diedou, accessible sports infrastructure and the formation of a sustainable physical activity culture should be the main legacy of the Olympics.

He emphasized that sports should be considered as a core urban service.

According to Diedou, as part of preparations for the event, the Dakar authorities are already building multifunctional sports grounds in all 19 municipalities of the city.

In addition, with the support of UN-Habitat, sports spaces are being created in other municipalities across the country.

He also warned about the risks of infrastructure being concentrated solely in the capital.

"To prevent this, Dakar 2026 must leave a legacy across the entire country so that not only Dakar but also the interior regions feel the impact of these investments," he emphasized.