In a crucial intervention to make transportation more accessible during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics, the Qatari government has provided a total of 15 buses and a consignment of security equipment to Senegal to support preparations for the event which runs from 31st October to 13th November 2026.
This will be the first ever Olympic games held on African soil.
This initiative reflects Qatar’s wider commitment to helping host nations deliver sporting events and enhance international cooperation by sharing expertise and resources gained through hosting the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 and other major tournaments.
Presenting the buses, Youssef Shaban Ibrahim Al Sada, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Senegal, said: “Qatar and Senegal have a strong and long-standing relationship, and we are pleased to support Senegal’s preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, a historic moment for sports in Africa. Sharing the expertise we have gained from hosting major sporting events is among the most valuable contributions we can make, and reflects our belief in the role of sport in strengthening cooperation between nations.”
Qatar has supported the preparations of several host nations in recent years, drawing on its own legacy of staging major tournaments to strengthen cooperation in sport and relations between nations.
Meanwhile, the Gambian team to the games is scheduled to depart Banjul for on Wednesday October 28th with the delegation comprising seven athletes competing in 5 sports. A total of 2700 athletes from 2026 countries are expected in Dakar for the youth games.
By Musa Sise
AIPS Africa, General Secretary
