Dakar: Senegal is hosting the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, marking a historic moment for Africa as the continent welcomes its first Olympic sporting event. However, the international celebration is taking place against a difficult economic background, with many Senegalese families struggling with unemployment, high household expenses and concerns about the country's public finances.
The Games officially opened on October 31 at the Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, near the capital, Dakar. They will continue until November 13, bringing together approximately 2,700 young athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees and the Youth Refugee Olympic Team.
The competition features athletes aged between 14 and 17, with 25 sports included in the official programme. Events are taking place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry attended the opening ceremony. The event marked a major achievement for Senegal and an opportunity to strengthen Africa's position in international sport.
However, the excitement surrounding the Games contrasts with the economic difficulties experienced by many ordinary citizens, particularly young people who continue to struggle to find stable employment.
According to Senegal's National Agency of Statistics and Demography, the expanded unemployment rate among people aged 15 to 34 reached 23.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2026. The overall expanded unemployment rate stood at 19.1 per cent during the same period.
Young people make up a significant part of Senegal's population, with approximately 75 per cent of citizens under the age of 35. This makes employment opportunities and access to education important concerns as the country promotes the Games as an investment in its younger generation.
The economic pressures are also affecting household budgets. Residents have described difficulties paying for food, electricity, transport and education.
Momar Assane Diouf, a 33 year old entrepreneur involved in a citizens' campaign for fair prices, said the cost of everyday necessities had increased significantly. He reported that the price of meat had risen from around 3,000 CFA francs to 5,500 CFA francs per kilogram within a few months.
Fuel prices have also increased. Government adjustments that took effect on August 15 raised the price of petrol from 920 to 990 CFA francs per litre and diesel from 680 to 755 CFA francs per litre.
Although annual consumer inflation stood at 1 per cent in September 2026, relatively low inflation does not necessarily mean that household expenses have become affordable. Many families continue to face pressure from high living costs, limited incomes and difficulties finding regular work.
Preparations for the Games have also raised concerns among some small business owners.
Mamadou Wadji, a 37 year old leader of a shoemakers' cooperative in the Medina neighbourhood of Dakar, said members of his cooperative were relocated from a busy market near Iba Mar Diop Stadium because of preparations for the event.
According to Wadji, the cooperative was moved to an unfinished school building, while a promised leatherworking centre was not ready. The relocation made it harder for customers to find the businesses and affected their sales.
The experience has raised questions about how local businesses and residents can benefit from major international events when preparations also disrupt their livelihoods.
The Senegalese government committed 36 billion CFA francs, approximately 60 million dollars, towards organising the Games. Of this amount, 11.3 billion CFA francs was allocated for sports venue renovations.
Government officials have defended the investment, pointing to improvements in sporting facilities, roads, transport infrastructure and accommodation. Preparations have also involved volunteer recruitment and educational programmes intended to encourage young people to participate in sport and civic activities.
More than 6,000 volunteers have been involved in organising the event. The International Olympic Committee has also reported that more than one million schoolchildren have been reached through an educational programme promoting Olympic values.
The government has highlighted the potential for improved sporting facilities, trained personnel and better infrastructure to support future sporting activities in Senegal and other African countries.
However, Senegal's wider financial difficulties remain a concern. The country has been dealing with a serious debt crisis following the discovery in 2024 of previously undisclosed public borrowing accumulated under the previous administration.
Public debt reached approximately 132 per cent of gross domestic product at the end of 2024, according to figures cited in international reporting. The financial difficulties have forced the government to reconsider spending priorities and seek support from international partners.
On September 1, the International Monetary Fund announced a staff level agreement with Senegalese authorities for a proposed 36 month financing programme worth approximately 2.2 billion dollars. The agreement remains subject to the necessary approvals and conditions.
Senegal's revised 2026 budget has also faced parliamentary difficulties. On October 27, reports indicated that the National Assembly's finance committee was expected to reconsider the revised budget after an earlier rejection. The government considers the budget important for advancing negotiations with the IMF.
The Youth Olympic Games were originally scheduled for 2022 but were postponed until 2026 because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Their arrival in Senegal represents an important opportunity to promote African athletes and demonstrate the continent's ability to organise major international sporting events.
For Senegal, the challenge will be to ensure that the benefits extend beyond the closing ceremony. Improved facilities, sporting opportunities and international recognition could provide lasting value, but the concerns of unemployed young people, struggling families and affected small businesses remain important.
As the competitions continue until November 13, the success of the Games will be measured not only by sporting performances but also by the opportunities and lasting improvements they bring to the people of Senegal.