A major step has just been taken in the preparation for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The signing of the partnership between FBNBank Senegal and the organizing committee marks an important turning point in the mobilization of the African private sector around this unprecedented event.

For Omar Dioum, Managing Director of FBNBank Senegal, this signing has a special significance: “This partnership can truly be described as historic. It is the first time that a pan-African bank has joined the panel of sponsors, and this is a great source of pride for us as an African institution.”

Beyond the financial aspect, this partnership symbolizes a powerful dynamic: that of an Africa relying on its own institutions to carry out projects of global scope. "It is Africa that hosts, Dakar that celebrates, but also the African private sector that provides support," he emphasized.

Scheduled to last 14 days, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will bring together approximately 2,700 athletes from around the world, spread across more than 27 sporting disciplines.

A colossal investment of 56 billion FCFA

A major organizational challenge awaits Senegal and the entire African continent, which will be under the international spotlight. "All eyes will be on Africa, and we must demonstrate our ability to organize an event of this magnitude," stressed Omar Dioum.

Already involved from the outset, the pan-African bank contributed to infrastructure financing, notably through a 56 billion CFA franc investment in the Diamniadio Olympic Village. Alongside Eni Obong, Deputy Managing Director of the FirstBank Group, the bank's representatives recently visited the site and commended the quality of the ongoing work. FBNBank Senegal will also play a key role in managing the Games' financial operations.

As part of this commitment, the bank announced concrete initiatives to promote financial inclusion. These include free current accounts—a first in Senegal—and the "Japandi" program. This program will allow athletes and members of the Youth Olympic Games committee to have bank accounts free of charge. This is a significant step forward in a country where a large portion of the population remains unbanked.

The organizing committee's appeal to the private sector

For Ibrahima Wade, general coordinator of the organizing committee, this partnership is the result of a long process: "This partnership is the culmination of an approach initiated several months ago, driven by a strong ambition and a clear desire on the part of FirstBank of Nigeria and FBNBank Senegal to fully participate in this adventure."

He emphasized the symbolic significance of this commitment: “When Africa calls, it is essential that African actors be the first to respond.” Beyond this signing, the leaders are sending a clear message to mobilize more African actors around Dakar 2026. “We are proud to be the first bank to commit, but we do not want to be the last,” said Omar Dioum.

More than just a sporting event, Dakar 2026 represents a historic opportunity for Africa to showcase its capabilities. "We cannot afford to fail. We have a duty to succeed," emphasized the Managing Director of FBNBank Senegal. The objective is clear: to make these Games a showcase of African excellence and to strengthen the continent's image on the international stage.