The Senegalese government and public service media are gearing up for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, with a meeting held on Tuesday to finalize the event's communication plan. The meeting, attended by Minister of Communication Bacary Sarr and representatives from national media outlets, focused on key aspects such as ticketing, public mobilization, media coverage, and traffic management around competition venues. The goal is to ensure a successful event, with all national structures playing a crucial role.
Minister of Communication Bacary Sarr emphasized the importance of each structure playing its part in the success of the Youth Olympics. He stressed that the communication plan should provide each actor with a clear understanding of their role and actions to be taken to ensure effective mobilization around the event. This effort aims to guarantee a strong national response to the event, which will be the first Olympic Games to be held in Africa.
Olivia Nloga, Executive Director of the Joj "Dakar 2026" brand, highlighted the significance of this event, with 2,600 athletes from 206 delegations expected to participate, including a refugee team. She emphasized that the event's success is a national priority and a great responsibility for Senegal. Nloga also stressed the need to fill the stadiums, with 80% of tickets for the opening ceremony already sold. The ticketing platform is operational, offering tickets at affordable prices ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 FCfa.
National media outlets have pledged to contribute to ticket sales and promote the event. The representative of the Director-General of Télédiffusion sénégalaise (Tds-Sa) announced the distribution of 10,000 Tnt decoders to ensure equitable access to the event's broadcast. A new digital radio station and a simultaneous broadcast of a promotional trailer for the Youth Olympics are also planned.
Regarding press accreditation, Olivia Nloga reported that over 60% of requests have been approved, with a focus on Senegalese media. She addressed concerns from some media outlets, such as "Le Soleil" and APS, regarding the limited number of accreditations granted. Nloga assured that the remaining requests will be reviewed with press services and the Cojoj.
The meeting also discussed transportation for press teams, with a limited number of macarons and service vehicles available to facilitate journalists' movement around the venues. The goal is to ensure smooth coverage of the event by the press. With the event just days away, all stakeholders are working together to ensure a successful and memorable "Dakar 2026" Youth Olympics.
As the event approaches, the Senegalese government and public service media are intensifying their efforts to promote the Youth Olympics and ensure its success. With a strong focus on public mobilization, media coverage, and logistics, Senegal aims to host a memorable and impactful event that will leave a lasting impression on the country's image.
Key points
- The 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar will feature 2,600 athletes from 206 delegations, including a refugee team.
- The ticketing platform for the event is operational, offering affordable tickets ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 FCfa.
- Over 60% of press accreditation requests have been approved, with a focus on Senegalese media.
