Sport and development: Dakar hosts a world summit on October 30 and 31 October 9, 2026

Scheduled for October 30 and 31, 2026, the second Sport and Development Summit will bring together leaders, officials of the sports movement, investors and development stakeholders in Dakar.

The objective is to make the Olympic event a lever for investment, youth employment and growth for Senegal and Africa, according to the Technical Advisor to the President of the Republic on sports, Diamil Faye.

Dakar is preparing to host the second edition of the Sport and Development Summit, organized as part of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) from October 31 to November 13, 2026 between Diamniadio, Saly and Dakar. Placed under the high patronage and in the effective presence of the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, this meeting aims to extend the scope of the Games beyond the sporting competition, by emphasizing the economic and social benefits of sport.

Around the theme “ Sport and Development: from Olympic momentum to a lasting legacy “, the summit will bring together heads of state, international sports leaders, investors, financial institutions, businesses and development stakeholders. It is a continuation of a first edition organized on the sidelines of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Sport as an economic lever

Discussions will focus in particular on the capacity of sport to stimulate investment, innovation, tourism, social inclusion and international cooperation. Youth employment and the development of the sports economy will also be among the main issues of this meeting.

In the document, the Special Advisor to the President of the Republic for Sports, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, underlines the importance of preparing for the post-YOG. This summit should therefore allow Senegal and Africa to demonstrate their capacity to host major international sporting events while building a lasting legacy.

He believes that Dakar 2026 must contribute to creating new perspectives for youth, particularly through employment and the development of economic activities linked to sport. The summit thus intends to bring together partners likely to translate this ambition into concrete projects.

Two days dedicated to sporting opportunities

The first day, October 30, will be devoted to the Youth, Sport & Business Forum. Players from sport and the business world will examine the possibilities offered by the sports economy to young Senegalese people. Sports diplomacy, the African sports industry, financing, infrastructure, tourism, streaming, sponsorship and the economic impact of sport will be on the agenda.

On October 31, a High-Level Dialogue will bring together heads of state and senior officials around the contribution of sport to Africa’s development and its international influence. Young athletes, entrepreneurs and creators will also be able to present their ideas and ambitions to decision-makers.

The work should end with the adoption of the Dakar Declaration. This must establish a common framework intended to extend the dynamic of Dakar 2026 and to encourage long-term investments.

Preparing for post-YOG

Through this summit, the organizers want to broaden reflection on the heritage of major sporting events. Beyond their organization and their success, the challenge is to determine how they can generate sustainable opportunities for economies and populations.

For Senegal, the YOG Dakar 2026 constitutes an opportunity to highlight the potential of sport as a driver of development. The summit on October 30 and 31 must help make this ambition long-lasting, well after the end of the Games.

CGD