The Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to take place in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, are struggling to gain traction in public conversation. Many Senegalese are preoccupied with immediate concerns such as jobs, cost of living, and household income. With just one month to go before the opening of the first Olympic event ever held in Africa, priorities lie elsewhere for many residents.
Residents of Dakar, the capital city, are more concerned about their daily struggles than the upcoming Games. At a busy market in Dakar's Grand-Yoff district, residents say jobs and the cost of living are far more pressing concerns. The promise of the first Olympic event ever hosted on African soil is not necessarily felt by the likes of street vendors and mechanics.
The Games are taking place against a backdrop of economic hardship following the 2024 discovery of hidden debt under former president Macky Sall's administration. Since then, confidence among Senegal's international economic partners has been shaken. The IMF froze its loan programme to Senegal, and only recently reached a new agreement for a $2.2 billion loan that still awaits final approval.
Many Dakar residents are unconvinced about the benefits of the Games. Arame Diop, a 34-year-old resident, said that given the country's current difficulties, the Games are not a top priority. She believes the funds allocated to infrastructure would be better spent on other needs. Ibrahima Samb, a 26-year-old waiter, also expressed his skepticism, saying that the country could have done without the Games or at least postponed them.
The Games have already had an impact on the lives of some residents. Numerous hawkers have been evicted from some of the capital's sidewalks ahead of the Games. Street vendor Mamadou Ndiaye spoke bitterly about the eviction, saying that it is unfair to sacrifice thousands of family men who are already struggling to make a living.
However, some residents see potential economic benefits from the Games. Ibrahima Balde, a resident, conceded that many countries will send delegations and they will bring their money, which could benefit small vendors, the transport sector, and housing providers. Aliou Sow, a 70-year-old merchant, is optimistic about the Games, saying that it could be a good thing for Senegal during difficult times.
The Senegalese authorities have allocated approximately 138 million euros ($156 million) for the Youth Olympic Games infrastructure programme. The French Development Agency (AFD) also granted Senegal an 80-million-euro loan to refurbish sports facilities and create local sports amenities. Despite this, many residents remain unconvinced about the benefits of the Games.
Key points
- The Youth Olympic Games will take place in Senegal from October 31 to November 13.
- Many Senegalese residents are preoccupied with immediate concerns such as jobs, cost of living, and household income.
- The Games have an allocated budget of approximately 138 million euros ($156 million) for infrastructure.
