The Senegalese Society for Copyright and Related Rights (SODAV) and the Organizing Committee for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (COJOJ) have signed a landmark agreement to manage and protect copyright and related rights for the event. The ceremony took place at SODAV's headquarters on September 17, 2026, in the presence of COJOJ's General Coordinator, Ibrahima Wade, and SODAV's Managing Director, Aly Bathily. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the preparations for the event, which will bring together international young athletes in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, 2026.
According to Ibrahima Wade, this collaboration aims to prioritize the respect and fair valuation of Senegalese and African artistic and cultural creations. He emphasized that the Youth Olympic Games offer a major opportunity to promote and value Africa's material and intangible heritage, as well as its cultural diversity. Wade highlighted the complementarity between sports and culture, stating that sports are not just about competition but are also deeply rooted in culture.
The COJOJ General Coordinator also stressed the committee's commitment to respecting Senegal's laws and regulations on intellectual property, as well as the requirements of the Olympic movement regarding authors' rights. Aly Bathily, SODAV's Managing Director, praised the initiative, describing it as an exemplary approach that demonstrates a willingness to comply with the legal framework and recognize creators' rights. He noted that sports are an integral part of African culture and that hosting the Youth Olympic Games in Africa provides an opportunity to showcase this complementarity.
The partnership has been welcomed by the international community, with Samuel Sangwa, Regional Director for Africa of the International Confederation of Authors and Composers Societies (CISAC), hailing the agreement as a significant step forward. He described the agreement as a "starting point" and a "reference point" for respecting authors' rights at major sporting events in Africa. Sangwa announced that the CISAC will officially award the COJOJ a "copyright compliance label" on behalf of its nearly five million represented creators.
The 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will be a historic event, marking the first time the Games have been held in Africa. The event is expected to bring together around 2,700 young athletes aged 17 and under across the sites of Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. The partnership between SODAV and COJOJ sets a precedent for future events, demonstrating the importance of protecting authors' rights in the context of major international sporting events.
The agreement is also seen as a reflection of the growing recognition of the importance of intellectual property rights in Africa. As the continent continues to host major international events, the need to protect creators' rights has become increasingly important. The partnership between SODAV and COJOJ is a significant step towards ensuring that creators' rights are respected and valued.
With the 2026 Youth Olympic Games just weeks away, the partnership between SODAV and COJOJ is set to play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the event. By prioritizing the protection of authors' rights, the organizers aim to create a positive and respectful environment for all participants, while also promoting the rich cultural heritage of Senegal and Africa.
Key points
- The partnership between SODAV and COJOJ aims to protect authors' rights at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
- The agreement sets a precedent for future events, demonstrating the importance of protecting authors' rights in the context of major international sporting events.
- The 2026 Youth Olympic Games will bring together around 2,700 young athletes aged 17 and under across the sites of Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
