The Summer Youth Olympic Games will be held in 2026 in Dakar, marking a first for the African continent. This event offers a unique opportunity to improve urban infrastructure. However, it also poses challenges, including the clutter of public spaces by street traders.
Despite past efforts to relieve congestion on the streets of Dakar, the problem persists. The authorities must demonstrate resilience to overcome this obstacle before the YOG. One solution could be the construction of modern shopping centers with covered, air-conditioned spaces and equipped with amenities. This would offer an attractive alternative to street traders and boost local commerce.
The Build-Operate-Transfer approach could accelerate the construction of this necessary infrastructure, involving a public-private partnership. Senegal must act quickly to transform this challenge into an opportunity before 2026.
