The Senegalese government is gearing up for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (JOJ) in Saly, a popular beach destination on the Petite-Côte. The Société d’aménagement et de promotion des côtes et zones touristiques du Sénégal (SAPCO-Sénégal) is leading the charge to maximize the economic and tourism benefits of the event. According to SAPCO's director general, Babacar MBENGUE, the organization is working to ensure that the games have a lasting impact on the local economy.
The JOJ are expected to bring in over 500 athletes and 15,000 spectators, with six sports disciplines to be held at the Saly Beach Ouest site. The site was officially handed over to the Comité d’organisation (COJOJ) on August 10. MBENGUE is optimistic about the potential for growth, but is cautious about making premature financial projections. He notes that the success of the JOJ should not be measured solely by hotel occupancy rates, but also by the ability of local businesses to generate more activity and revenue.
The impact of the JOJ is expected to be felt across the entire value chain, including large hotels, small pensions, restaurants, transportation providers, artisans, and local traders. MBENGUE emphasizes that the major challenge lies in the "after-JOJ" period, ensuring that the event has a lasting legacy. To achieve this, he has identified four priorities for modernizing the destination: security, hygiene, and cleanliness, improving the living environment, and embracing digitalization and event planning.
The goal is to diversify Saly's offerings beyond its traditional beach product by developing sports, cultural, and business tourism. The new tourism hubs of Pointe Sarène and Mbodiène are also expected to play a key role in this strategy. According to MBENGUE, the JOJ offer a unique opportunity for Saly to showcase its potential and attract new investment.
The JOJ coincide with the launch of the tourist season, which is expected to boost the local economy. However, MBENGUE is keen to emphasize that the focus is on long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains. He believes that the event can help to establish Saly as a premier tourist destination, with a strong focus on community development and job creation.
Liboire SAGNA, a local stakeholder, welcomes the government's efforts to promote sustainable tourism in Saly. He notes that the JOJ have already generated significant interest and excitement among local residents, who are eager to benefit from the economic opportunities presented by the event.
As the 2026 JOJ approach, SAPCO and the Senegalese government are working to ensure that the event is a success, both on and off the field. With a focus on sustainability, community development, and economic growth, the JOJ have the potential to leave a lasting legacy in Saly and beyond.
Key points
- SAPCO aims to maximize the economic and tourism benefits of the 2026 JOJ in Saly.
- The event is expected to bring in over 500 athletes and 15,000 spectators.
- The Senegalese government is prioritizing sustainability and community development in its preparations for the JOJ.
