The fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games is set to begin in 50 days in Senegal, marking a historic moment as it will be the first African nation to host an Olympic event. The Olympic flame, which symbolizes the start of the Olympic movement, arrived in Dakar, Senegal’s capital, during the night of Thursday, September 10, into Friday, September 11. This event is specifically designed for young athletes aged 17 or younger, offering them a global platform to showcase their talent and compete at an elite level. The Youth Olympic Games are a scaled-down version of the traditional Olympics, focusing on promoting youth development through sports, unity, and cultural exchange. These games are held every four years and have grown in popularity since their inception in 2010. For Senegal, hosting this event represents not only a sporting milestone but also an opportunity to elevate its international profile and demonstrate its commitment to youth and sports development. Malick Diouf, a director of the Prims agency and a key figure behind the Dakar Sport Summit, an annual forum on sports economics held in Dakar, spoke with RFI about the significance of the Youth Olympics for Senegal. Diouf emphasized that hosting such a prestigious event could boost the country’s visibility on the global stage and inspire a new generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts. Senegal hopes that the Youth Olympic Games will bring economic benefits, increased international attention, and a lasting legacy in sports infrastructure and youth engagement. The event is expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators from around the world, highlighting the importance of sports as a unifying force and a driver of development.