One year before the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Babacar Senghor, coordinator of the YOG program, takes stock of the progress of infrastructure works. He emphasizes the importance of rehabilitating iconic sites and ensuring a lasting benefit for the Senegalese population.

Progress of construction projects in Dakar

The construction projects of the Iba Mar Diop stadium and the Olympic swimming pool are progressing well. Launched in October 2024, they show a completion rate of nearly 70%. The pool is expected to be delivered in December 2025, while the stadium will be ready between March and April 2026. These infrastructures aim to involve local populations, particularly through nearby facilities.

Social support for local populations

Babacar Senghor also discusses the challenges related to supporting populations impacted by the works. The State has mobilized five billion CFA francs to compensate affected individuals. Relocation and employment support initiatives have been implemented, including the construction of a leather house for cobblers and a processing center for women pounding millet.

These efforts aim to ensure that the legacy of the YOG is not limited to the mere completion of infrastructure, but also benefits the local community. The goal is to create sustainable facilities that will continue to serve the Senegalese well beyond the end of the event.