The city of Dakar, Senegal, has been chosen to host the second Sport and Development Summit on October 30-31, 2026. This event is part of the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 and will bring together heads of state, sports leaders, investors, financial institutions, businesses, and development actors. The summit aims to discuss the role of sports in economic and social development, with a focus on creating a sustainable legacy.
The summit, under the patronage of President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, will explore the growing role of sports in Africa's economy and its potential for investment, innovation, job creation, tourism, social inclusion, and international cooperation. The event will feature a youth forum, high-level dialogue, and presentations by young athletes, entrepreneurs, and creators.
On October 30, the first day of the summit, the Youth, Sports, and Business Forum will discuss topics such as sports diplomacy, the African sports industry, financing, infrastructure, tourism, streaming, sponsoring, and the economic impact of sports. The following day, a high-level dialogue will bring together heads of state and senior officials to discuss the contribution of sports to Africa's development and international influence.
The summit will conclude with the adoption of the Dakar Declaration, which aims to establish a common framework for transforming the momentum generated by Dakar 2026 into a long-term legacy and investments. The organizers seek to integrate the Youth Olympic Games into a sustainable perspective, highlighting the opportunities that major sporting events can create for African societies and economies.
President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye emphasized the importance of looking beyond the Youth Olympic Games and using Dakar 2026 as an opportunity to create new opportunities for young people, particularly in the fields of employment and sports economy. The summit is a follow-up to the first Sport and Development Summit, held during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The event is expected to attract significant attention from international leaders, investors, and sports personalities. It provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss the potential of sports in driving economic growth, promoting social inclusion, and fostering international cooperation.
The second Sport and Development Summit is a significant event for Senegal and Africa, as it highlights the growing importance of sports in the region's economic and social development. The summit's outcomes are expected to have a lasting impact on the development of sports and its role in shaping the future of Africa.
Key points
- The summit will focus on the role of sports in Africa's economy and its potential for investment, innovation, and job creation.
- The event will feature a youth forum, high-level dialogue, and presentations by young athletes, entrepreneurs, and creators.
- The summit aims to establish a common framework for transforming the momentum generated by Dakar 2026 into a long-term legacy and investments.
