The Minister of Land and Air Transport, Yankhoba Diémé, led the inaugural session of the Transport and Mobility Steering Committee this week, marking the official launch of the operational blueprint for an event that will redefine logistics in Africa.
For the first time in African history, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games in 2026, welcoming nearly 2,700 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees, along with officials, volunteers, and spectators. To ensure seamless connectivity, authorities have designed a structured mobility framework centered on three strategic hubs: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly/Mbour.
The framework integrates multiple layers of coordination:
- Steering Committee (COPIL), chaired by Minister Diémé, overseeing high-level strategy and policy;
- Technical Committee “Mobility JOJ 2026”, led by the CETUD, responsible for operational planning and transport systems;
- Operations Committee at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD), managing passenger flows and security protocols.
Minister Diémé emphasized that mobility is not just a logistical pillar but a cornerstone of both event success and long-term infrastructure development. With the Dakar-Diamniadio-Tiès railway at its core, the system aims to facilitate rapid, safe, and efficient movement between venues, the airport, and key urban centers.
To validate the plan, authorities are rolling out full-scale simulations to test real-world performance under varying conditions. The goal is twofold: deliver a flawless Games experience and establish a sustainable transport legacy that positions Senegal as a model of innovation and governance in West Africa.
