The director general of Port Autonome de Dakar, Doune Pathé Mbengue, recently visited the exhibition, activation, and animation spaces of the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal. He expressed his satisfaction with the level of organisation of this unique competition on the African continent. Mbengue also highlighted the port's commitment to supporting this major event, which is expected to benefit Senegal and its youth.
Mbengue praised the national mobilisation around the 2026 Youth Olympics, commending the engagement of Senegal's head of state, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, and various components of the nation that contributed to the event's success. The official opening ceremony allowed Mbengue to measure Senegal's potential in hosting major sporting events, which he believes will serve as a showcase for the country and Africa.
The Port Autonome de Dakar has actively positioned itself as one of the most visible sponsors of the 2026 Youth Olympics. According to Mbengue, this engagement reflects the institution's desire to contribute to the event's success while enabling it to participate in an international event. The port's involvement goes beyond its role as a sponsor, with Mbengue highlighting the diversity of the event's legacy.
Mbengue emphasised that the legacy of the 2026 Youth Olympics extends beyond the performances of Senegalese athletes and the enthusiasm for various sports disciplines. He identified two complementary dimensions: an intangible legacy and an infrastructural legacy. The former concerns the values promoted by the Games, youth mobilisation, and the promotion of Senegalese and African cultures.
The infrastructural legacy, according to Mbengue, consists of the sports facilities built in recent years, which will strengthen Senegal's capacity for sports practice and development, particularly for young generations. He believes that the event's impact should not be evaluated solely based on medals and performances but also on the cultural, social, and material gains it leaves behind.
In addition to its sponsorship role, the Port Autonome de Dakar has upgraded its facilities and services. Mbengue mentioned the deployment of a digital ticketing system for the Dakar-Gorée crossing, which occurred 48 hours before the event's start. Several port installations also benefited from an upgrade during the Games.
Mbengue addressed a message to Senegalese and African youth, emphasising their crucial role in the continent's development. He stated that youth are not just the future but also the present, echoing the head of state's commitment to young people. Mbengue stressed that young people should not only be recipients of public policies but also participate in their design and implementation.
Key points
- The Port Autonome de Dakar played an active role in the 2026 Youth Olympics, serving as a sponsor and upgrading its facilities and services.
