Across Africa, the playing field is becoming a classroom, and the game plan is shifting to include not just athletic prowess, but similarly pathways to education and sustainable livelihoods. A growing movement, fueled by international partnerships and grassroots initiatives, is harnessing the power of sport to unlock opportunities for young people, addressing critical needs in a region facing significant economic and social challenges. This isn’t simply about creating better athletes; it’s about building brighter futures through sport as a catalyst for education and employment.
The ambition is particularly visible in the lead-up to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Senegal. Beyond the sporting spectacle, organizers are prioritizing a lasting legacy focused on education. Central to this is the Brevet Olympique Civique et Sportif (BOCS), a national program aiming to reach 900,000 young people aged 9 to 15 across 11,000 schools before the Games begin in October 2026, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The BOCS program is built upon the principles of Olympism, emphasizing fair play, respect, and community engagement.
Expanding the Reach: From Senegal to the Continent
The impact of the Dakar 2026 YOG isn’t confined to Senegal’s borders. The “Road to Dakar 2026” initiative, an Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP)-based toolkit, is extending this momentum across the continent. Launched to coincide with the one-year countdown to the YOG in November 2025, the toolkit was implemented at 26 Olympafrica Foundation community centers in 22 countries, reaching nearly 12,000 children through workshops. The Olympafrica Foundation, established in 1988, operates centers dedicated to promoting sport and Olympism throughout Africa, providing access to facilities and training programs. Schools and educators are encouraged to integrate the toolkit into their ongoing curricula, fostering long-term engagement with Olympic values.
OVEP itself is a program designed to promote the values of excellence, friendship, and respect through sport. It’s not about identifying future Olympians, but about using the principles of sport to develop character and life skills. The toolkit provides resources for educators to facilitate discussions and activities centered around these values, linking them to broader educational goals.
Bridging the Gap: Sport, Education, and Employability
Recognizing that education alone isn’t enough, several initiatives are focused on connecting learning with practical employment opportunities. The Sport, Education and Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (SESLA) initiative, a partnership between the IOC, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Laureus Sport for Great, and 29 local implementing organizations, is a prime example. SESLA aims to equip young Africans with the skills and resources they need to secure sustainable livelihoods. The AFD, a public financial institution, supports development projects in French-speaking countries and overseas territories of France, including many in Africa. Laureus Sport for Good leverages the power of sport to address social issues globally.
In 2024 and 2025, SESLA reached and supported 40,582 young people across 13 African countries. Crucially, the initiative also invested in capacity building, training 3,185 educators, coaches, and youth workers. This investment ensures that programs are delivered effectively and sustainably, with local expertise driving the impact. Funding and support were provided to 29 organizations, enabling them to deliver sport-based programs that contribute to education, employment, and livelihood outcomes.
A Lesotho Success Story
The tangible impact of SESLA is evident in communities like Maseru, Lesotho. At the Bophelo Gymnasium and Health Club, Teboho Phasumane, a former taekwondo champion, has transformed her passion for sport into a career. Through SESLA-supported training, Phasumane became a certified gym instructor, realizing a long-held dream. Her story exemplifies how sport can provide not only physical and mental well-being but also a viable path to economic independence.
“Sport gave me discipline, confidence, and a goal,” Phasumane said in an IOC interview. “Now, I can share that with others and help them achieve their own goals.”
Challenges and the Path Forward
While these initiatives demonstrate significant promise, challenges remain. Access to quality education and resources varies widely across the continent. Infrastructure limitations, particularly in rural areas, can hinder participation in sport. Ensuring the sustainability of these programs requires ongoing investment and strong local ownership. The IOC acknowledges these hurdles and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to overcome them.
Looking ahead, the Dakar 2026 YOG represents a pivotal moment. The Games are not just a sporting event; they are a catalyst for positive change, a platform to showcase the potential of African youth, and a commitment to building a brighter future through the transformative power of sport. The success of initiatives like BOCS and SESLA will depend on continued investment, effective implementation, and a sustained focus on linking sport to education and employment opportunities. The IOC will provide an update on the progress of the Dakar 2026 YOG preparations at its next executive board meeting in July 2026.
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