By Ajong Mbapndah L*
As the countdown begins to the first Olympic event ever staged on African soil, Dakar 2026 is transforming from a bold continental milestone into a vibrant national movement. For Christophe Dubi, the IOC’s Olympic Games Executive Director, Senegal’s preparations are no longer abstractions on a planning table—they’re alive in the streets of Dakar, Saly, and Diamniadio. From renovated historic venues in the heart of the capital to youth-driven innovation platforms attracting hundreds of creative submissions, Dubi sees a nation accelerating into its historic moment with confidence, cohesion, and unmistakable Teranga energy. In this exclusive interview with PAV, he reflects on the momentum building across communities, the symbolism of Ayo—the first mascot ever tied to Africa—and how Dakar 2026 is poised to redefine global perceptions of African youth, African sport, and African capability. For Dubi, the Youth Olympic Games are not just an event, they’re the spark for a continental legacy.
With one year to go, how would you assess Senegal’s overall readiness to host the first Olympic event on African soil?
I would assess the preparations with a great deal of confidence. I was fortunate enough to be onsite in Dakar for the 1-year-to-go celebration and what is very evident is a real sense of energy, vibrancy and acceleration of momentum. Following that milestone, the Dakar en Jeux festival always presents the Dakar team with the unique opportunity to conduct a test grandeur nature, an opportunity to bring communities together, to activate sports demonstrations, and to showcase what the Dakar YOG will feel like in the streets, in the venues, and across the host zones in Dakar, Saly, and Diamniadio.
This period also includes testing opportunities in sports, such as Futsal, which was tested in the Dakar Arena during Dakar en Jeux, as well as an equestrian testing opportunity that took place at the end of November. The period also featured further engagement activities, and what we call open days for National Olympic Committees to review all the final preparations. These are crucial markers—they allow everyone to see progress firsthand and to feel the energy is really building.
So the 1-year-to-go milestone is not just symbolic; it marks the beginning of a very fast paced and exciting phase where everything becomes more tangible, more visible, and the public begins to experience the Teranga spirit of Dakar 2026.
What does the mascot “Ayo” represent for Senegal, Africa, and the global Youth Olympic community, and why was it important for the Games to showcase local cultural identity?
Every edition of the Olympic or Youth Olympic Games is unique precisely because the host culture shapes it. Ayo – who symbolises joy and energy – is truly representative of the dynamism of African youth and highlights the cultural heritage of Senegal as the host nation.
For the first time in Olympic history, a mascot is associated with Africa, with Senegal, with Dakar. That is incredibly important. It’s the moment when local culture becomes part of global Olympic memory.
The mascot competition drew over 500 student submissions. How is Dakar 2026 using initiatives like this to deepen youth engagement and national ownership of the Games?
Youth engagement is at the very heart of Dakar 2026. We see it through the vast amount of great entries for the mascot competition. This perfectly illustrates what the Youth Olympic Games are about; creating opportunities for talented young people to contribute, innovate, and shine. This goes far beyond creative initiatives alone. The Youth Olympic Games provide a platform for young people to build and demonstrate their skills in many different ways, including through programmes like the Learning Academy, which is training around 400 young people in every aspect of event organisation – skills they can use not only during the Games, but in festivals, artistic exhibitions, and multisport events in Senegal or abroad. Young people can volunteer, work on the Games, and even contribute as designers or creatives. Hosting the Games is a magnet for ambitious and talented young people. It gives them exposure and the pride of having their work seen and admired by the whole world.
Can you provide an update on infrastructure preparations across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, and what new facilities athletes and visitors can expect?
In Dakar, the progress is very encouraging indeed. Tour de l’Oeuf and Iba Mar Diop are two major venues being renovated in the city centre – an extraordinary decision that protects sporting spaces in a context of considerable urban development.
These venues will serve elite athletes and grassroots sport long after the Games, ensuring that young people have access to quality facilities where they can train, play, and progress through the athlete pathway. During a recent visit, the IOC President was impressed by all developments. These infrastructures are set to benefit both community sport and the next generation of athletes.
We also see new accommodation for students and additional sports infrastructures emerging as part of the legacy.
What lasting benefits do you anticipate for Senegal in terms of job creation, tourism, sports development, and cultural promotion?
The legacy is truly multi-layered. The Learning Academy creates a specialised workforce with skills that will remain in Senegal and across Africa.
The new and renovated venues, especially in Dakar’s city centre, will have enormous benefits for long-term sports use with positive social, health, and economic impacts. We will also see some of the young athletes in Dakar becoming future champions.
And of course, successfully delivering such a complex event as a Youth Olympic Games edition will strengthen Senegal’s image globally.
As the first Olympic event ever hosted in Africa, what legacy do you hope Dakar 2026 will create for African sport and youth empowerment?
For the first time, the Olympic movement will carry the imagery of Africa. That alone is monumental. But beyond that, thousands of young Africans – athletes, volunteers, creatives, organisers – will live an experience that will remain with them forever.
They will return home as ambassadors, inspired to do something extraordinary in their countries. Some will become champions; others will build careers in event organisation.
I am convinced that Dakar 2026 will ignite a new appetite on the continent to set new ambitions and why not provide the basis and impulse for an African candidature for the Olympic Games.
How has collaboration with the IOC, Worldwide Olympic Partners, and other global institutions strengthened the Games’ organisation and visibility?
IOC, alongside the The Olympic Partner Programme (TOP) programme works alongside the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee to accompany them every step of the way—financially, technically, and with all the experience gained from previous Olympic Games editions.
This is a complex event with 25 sports, 10 engagement sports, and significant technological demands. The TOP partners are contributing with technical solutions, and the OCOG has also mobilised strong domestic partners like telecommunications provider Sonatel Orange, industrial and construction materials provider SOCOCIM and transportation companies Dem Dikk and Air Sénégal.
A key element is the governance structure behind these preparations. Collaboration spans through all levels over government, national ministries, regional authorities, and municipalities, with all relevant public services fully integrated and working diligently to deliver their responsibilities. It’s a true partnership ecosystem, and it is working extremely well.
Why are community-driven events such as the countdown clock unveiling and the Dakar en Jeux festival central to the Dakar 2026 engagement strategy?
The Dakar en Jeux festival has shown once again how the Youth Olympic Games can energise an entire nation. The festival brought together thousands of people across the three host sites – Dakar, Diamniadio, Saly – to celebrate youth, sport, and culture.
First launched in 2022, it is now a flagship initiative of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and this year included an international under-17 futsal tournament at Dakar Arena (Diamniadio) with eight men’s and women’s teams from Africa, Europe and South America. The “Play Programme” saw around 1,700 children trying out new sports like basketball, futsal, judo, boxing, fencing, badminton, and athletics.
The passion we’ve seen on the ground – from the sports activities to the cultural celebrations—proves that Senegal is ready to welcome the world in 2026.
How is the Organising Committee ensuring world-class standards in athlete accommodation, logistics, healthcare, and competition venues for the 2,700 young competitors?
We apply the same level of rigour in Dakar as for any Olympic event. The IOC provides technical expertise, timing systems, complex operational know-how.
The organisers in Dakar are exceptionally strong and the authorities are deeply involved in ensuring security, transport, logistics, and health services meet the highest standards.
The renovated venues and new infrastructures will offer conditions fully worthy of elite athletes.
What measures are being implemented to guarantee smooth, safe, and enjoyable experiences for athletes, officials, and spectators?
In this phase, it is all about coordination and planning. Security, transport, technology, ceremonies, temporary structures and more – all of these elements are being developed hand-in-hand between the organisers, the authorities and the IOC.
The goal is that everything runs smoothly for the athletes and again popularity is key: full stadiums, vibrant atmospheres, and strong African and international media coverage will make the experience unforgettable.
What message do you have for young Africans as the continent prepares to welcome the world for this historic Olympic event?
My message is simple: be proud, be enthusiastic, and be ambitious.
Support the athletes. Fill the stadiums. Shine on social media. Show the world the hospitality and creativity of Senegal and Africa – I have experienced it many times, and it is extraordinary.
This is a unique opportunity to show who you are to the world. Africa is a young continent with almost infinite opportunities. Seize this moment.
*Culled from December Issue of PAV Magazine
