Dakar 2026 Olympic flame arrives in Senegal as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomes the torch

From Dakar to all 14 regions of Senegal

The flame’s journey through Senegal is only beginning. 

From 14 September, it will travel across all 14 regions of the country, with more than 30 stages planned before returning to Dakar ahead of the Opening Ceremony. 

The relay will bring the flame closer to communities across Senegal, celebrating the country’s young people, sporting talent and cultural diversity along the way. 

Each torchbearer will help carry the message of Dakar 2026 and its values of friendship, solidarity and inclusion. 

The flame’s journey towards Dakar 2026

The national tour will continue until 30 October, the eve of the Opening Ceremony. 

The flame will then return to Dakar, where it will light the cauldron during the Opening Ceremony on 31 October, officially marking the start of the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games. 

For the first time, the Olympic flame will burn on African soil throughout the Youth Olympic Games. Dakar 2026 is ready to pass the energy.