Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Dakar 2026 Learning Academy, a cornerstone initiative aimed at preparing young professionals for the delivery of the first Youth Olympic Games to be staged in Africa, officially launched this week, marking a critical step in Senegal’s preparations for the historic event.
The inauguration ceremony took place during the seventh visit of the International Olympic Committee Coordination Commission to Senegal.
Incoming IOC president Kirsty Coventry headlined the guest list at the launch.
The academy is designed to train more than 400 young professionals in Games operations, ensuring a skilled workforce for Dakar 2026 while leaving a lasting human legacy as the first Olympic event ever held on African soil.
The structured programme includes 10 days of intensive training led by the IOC, covering essential aspects of Games planning, sports operations, and functional responsibilities, followed by five days of soft-skills development.
The first cohort of 41 trainees, selected from 1 800 applicants, began their training in late April.
By September 2026, nine cohorts will have completed the program, with academy alumni expected to make up over half of the workforce.
Speaking, Coventry commended the initiative, urging trainees to be brand ambassadors for the young generation of Africa.
“Next year, you will show the world what it means to be African. You are ambassadors for the young generation and the legacy these Games will leave.”
Humphrey Kayange, chair of the Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission, said he is confident the youth would deliver.
“On behalf of the entire commission, we’re truly excited and looking forward to engaging with you. We’re confident in your ability to deliver. Together, we will bring these Games to life and celebrate the Youth Olympic Games in a uniquely African way.
“I wish you all the best as you begin working across different functional areas in the coming weeks. We’re looking forward to your success and the success of the Games.”
