Senegalese fashion designer Rama Diaw has called on her country to use the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games to promote local craftsmanship, support homegrown businesses and inspire young people to believe in their talents, Made In Africa Sport reports.
Diaw carried the Youth Olympic flame through her hometown of Saint-Louis on 4 October, describing the experience as a moment of pride that connected her to Senegal‘s culture, heritage and ambitions.
“As a Senegalese woman and as a fashion designer, I felt that I wasn’t just carrying a flame: I was also carrying a part of my country, of our youth, of our culture and of our ambitions,” she said.
The Games, which run from 31 October to 13 November, will be the first Olympic sporting event held on African soil.
‘Made in Senegal’ as an economic force
Diaw believes the event offers Senegal an opportunity to show the world its creative and manufacturing capabilities, while encouraging consumers to support locally made products.
She said buying Senegalese products benefits more than the person or business selling them, supporting artisans, tailors, weavers, designers and others involved in production.
“In the fashion industry, we have extraordinary talent, magnificent fabrics and a level of craftsmanship that deserves to be better known, both here and internationally,” she said.
“I hope we’ll make the most of this opportunity to show that Senegal isn’t just capable of organising major events: Senegal is also capable of creating, manufacturing and innovating.”
Diaw added that promoting local products should not be seen as turning away from international markets, but as a way of building a stronger identity and engaging more effectively with the world.
Sport and craftsmanship share the same values
The designer also sees a strong connection between sport and traditional craftsmanship, pointing to the discipline, patience and commitment required in both fields.
A craftsperson weaving fabric, a designer creating a garment and an athlete training for competition all work to turn their abilities into excellence, she said.
Diaw hopes the Youth Olympic Games will bring greater attention to Senegalese creators and artisans, whose contributions can be overshadowed by the sporting spectacle.
The event, she added, should celebrate the country’s cultural wealth alongside its ability to host an international competition.
Dakar 2026: A message to young Africans
With Dakar 2026 approaching, Diaw has urged young people in Saint-Louis, Senegal and across Africa to pursue their ambitions and recognise the potential of their talents.
“Whether you’re an athlete, a fashion designer, a craftsperson, an entrepreneur, an artist or a student, you must understand that your talent can become a real career and contribute to the development of our country,” she said.
She also called on society to give young people the opportunities and resources they need to develop their abilities, alongside the determination to pursue their goals.
“The Youth Olympic Games are a wonderful opportunity to show that we have talent, energy and ambition,” Diaw said.
“Let’s dare to dream, dare to create and, above all, dare to believe in what we are capable of achieving here at home.”
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will take place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly from 31 October to 13 November, bringing together young athletes from around the world.