Online Reporter
Online Reporter
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is poised to become the first Olympic event ever held on African soil, and organizers have launched a call for volunteers to take part in this historic occasion.
Scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026, the Games will take place across three host locations: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
The official volunteer initiative, named Jambaar26, aims to bring together more than 6,000 people to assist in key areas including event operations, media, and protocol. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to commit to a minimum of 10 days, which includes training.
Farai Chigwedere, Event General Manager from the organizing team, called the experience “a powerful moment for Africa,” emphasizing the chance for volunteers to gain global exposure while helping deliver a landmark international event.
Volunteer applications remain open until April 30, 2026. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online using the registration code ZHGTJLTK.
Chigwedere, who is Zimbabwean-born, is an international venue operations professional with expertise in large-scale event execution. During her time at Rwanda’s BK Arena, she led venue operations for a prestigious lineup of international events, including Global Citizen featuring John
Legend, the NBA’s Basketball Africa League, and Giants of Africa—founded by Masai Ujiri, former president of the Toronto Raptors.
Now based in Senegal, Chigwedere oversees Youth Olympic operations at the 50,000-seat Stade Abdoulaye Wade, home to the AFCON champion Lions of Teranga. Beyond her operational role, she is also leading coordination for the upcoming Opening Ceremony, further strengthening her standing as a leader in the industry.
