Dakar, Oct 16 (APS) – The State of Senegal has mobilized almost 18.2 billion CFA francs out of the 36 billion CFA francs representing the financial commitment resulting from the Olympic host contract that it signed for the organization of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, we learned from a government source.
An interministerial council on the organization of the YOG Dakar 2026 (October 31-November 13) was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
The government revealed, during this meeting, to have “already mobilized a total amount of 13.2 billion CFA francs to which should be added five billion currently being mobilized, which would make a total of 18.2 billion francs CFA”.
“Senegal signed a host contract resulting from a financial commitment of 35 billion 970 million CFA francs. Based on the financial report provided by the YOG organizing committee, one billion 258 million CFA francs was spent between October 2023 and August 31, 2024, to cover salaries and services delivered by the YOG organizing committee. “organization,” declared the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Khady Diène Gaye.
“In addition to this moment, the French Development Agency has granted a loan of 39 billion 360 million CFA francs intended to finance the work of the Iba Mar Diop stadium, the Dakar Olympic swimming pool and the adjacent park,” a- she said.
The interministerial council noted that the State of Senegal has not yet mobilized funding from the International Olympic Committee, which amounts to 54 billion CFA francs, as well as those from the International Baseball and Wushu Federations, amounting to of 1 billion 800 million CFA francs.
Senegal expects 3.6 billion CFA francs from the YOG, which will come from commercial revenues and ticketing, not to mention that contributions are expected from international agencies and entities to the tune of 7.5 billion CFA francs, according to the government.
Initiatives have already been taken for the “professional reintegration” of people impacted by the work, including the artisan shoemakers installed near the Iba Mar Diop stadium, who will be supported through the construction project of the Maison du leather in the Medina.
The cities of Dakar, Diamniadio, Saly and Mbour have been selected to host the YOG 2026 venues.
“As regards the preparation of Senegalese athletes, a budget estimated at three billion 494 million 438 CFA francs is necessary and could be charged to the 36 billion of the host contract,” argued the Minister of Sports.
The Prime Minister announced, on this point, an interministerial meeting to focus on the preparation of Senegalese athletes.
“With the Ministry of Sports and all the other ministries, solutions will be found to allow them to prepare for these competitions in the best conditions, and perhaps give us reasons for satisfaction in certain disciplines,” indicated Ousmane Sonko.
“The lack of infrastructure seems to be the biggest problem. The country is largely behind at this level in general, especially sports infrastructure, even if efforts have been made recently,” underlined the head of government.
According to him, the organization of sporting events requires “adapted standards and infrastructure”.
“We will have to find palliative solutions, if resources allow, to offer international training courses to certain athletes,” he added, before inviting the organizing committee to ensure transparency in the organization of these Games.
SK/BK/MTN
Related News :