The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to the successful hosting of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games through financial and technical assistance, youth development programmes and regional mobilization initiatives.
Under a strategic partnership with the Senegalese National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSS), ECOWAS has sponsored 24 young volunteers from its member states to support activities across various Games venues. Their responsibilities include welcoming visitors, providing guidance and offering logistical assistance.
ECOWAS Commission President General Birame Diop and Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs Nassirou Arifari Bako attended the opening ceremony on Saturday at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio. They joined Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry and other African leaders, including Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio.
The partnership also provides for training programmes focused on leadership, civic engagement, Olympic values, peace and social cohesion. Other activities include a Regional Youth Forum in Saly, an awareness programme for National Olympic Committee leaders and a training camp for athletes from ECOWAS member states.
In addition, ECOWAS will establish an ECOWAS Village during the second week of the Games to showcase its programmes in youth empowerment, education, employment, entrepreneurship and regional integration.
According to the regional body, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games present an important opportunity to strengthen regional solidarity, promote peace and empower young people while deepening unity among West African countries.
The Games, which commenced on October 31 and are scheduled to run until November 13, mark the first Olympic sporting event to be hosted on African soil.