18 October 2024 – IOC President Thomas Bach began a visit to Africa in Dakar, Senegal, which will host the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2026.

He was welcomed by the President of the NOC and the Organising Committe, Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, and was joined by the African IOC members whose countries he cannot visit on the current tour of Africa.

Joining President Bach on the visit to look at the progress of the project were IOC Vice-President Nawal El Moutawakel, ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf, Lydia Nsekera, Aïcha Garad Ali, Odette Assembe Engoulou, Filomena Fortes, Tidjane Thiam, Mehrez Boussayene and Aya Medany, and IOC honorary member Habu Ahmed Gumel.

Together they visited some of the construction sites to see the work underway at a number of venues, as well as meeting Senegalese athletes and seeing fencing and taekwondo demonstrations.

Later in the day, the delegation was invited to a reception hosted by the Senegalese NOC, with local and national dignitaries and the Mayor of Dakar.

The next day the delegation visited the NOC headquarters for a presentation on the progress of the organisation of the YOG, covering topics such as volunteers and the torch relay, and how these Games can involve the whole of the continent.

At a reception given by the State President, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President Bach thanked him for his clear passion for the Games.

These Youth Games are not only for Senegal but for all of Africa. This is why I have with me many of our African members who fully support this vision. They are excellent ambassadors of these Games in their own countries. Together they show the solid partnership of the IOC with its African members.

Thomas Bach, IOC President

The next stage of the visit will take President Bach to South Africa, Lesotho, Uganda and Kenya.