Sénégal prepares structured transport system for Dakar 2026 youth olympics

The Minister of Terrestrial and Air Transport, Yankhoba Diémé, led the inaugural meeting of the Transport and Mobility Steering Committee (COPIL) this week, launching the operational plan for the historic Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Dakar 2026 will be the first Olympic event of such scale ever hosted on African soil, welcoming nearly 2,700 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees, along with thousands of officials, volunteers, and spectators. To tackle the logistical challenge, the Senegalese authorities have established a structured system centered around three key hubs: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly/Mbour.

The framework includes the COPIL, chaired by Minister Diémé, the Technical Committee for Mobility 2026 coordinated by the CETUD, and the AIBD Operations Committee overseeing flows at the Blaise Diagne International Airport. The minister emphasized that mobility is a cornerstone of the Games’ success, particularly in terms of logistics and security.

Railway transport takes center stage in connecting key locations

The rail network is set to play a pivotal role in swiftly linking Dakar, Diamniadio, the AIBD, and Thiès. With rapid execution now a priority, authorities are gearing up for full-scale simulations to evaluate the transport and security setup. The aim is clear: to transform the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics into a showcase of Senegalese expertise while leaving a lasting legacy in transport governance.