The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is using cybersecurity to build a legacy for young Senegalese, with a programme targeting more than 1,500 people for training by 2027, Made In Africa Sport reports.
The third edition of the Dakar 2026 Cyber Games was held in Saint-Louis on Saturday, bringing together young people from several regions of Senegal for a day focused on cybersecurity, innovation and digital culture, according to the IOC.
The event was organised by the cybersecurity department of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (COJOJ) at the Institut français du Sénégal.
Around 200 young people were selected from 450 registered participants, with competitors travelling from Saint-Louis, Dakar, Thiès and Louga.
Nearly 1,000 people attended the competition and accompanying cultural activities.
Building digital skills
The Cyber Games featured cybersecurity challenges, demonstrations, discussions and practical activities designed to introduce young people to the digital sector.
The programme also gave participants an opportunity to learn about careers in cybersecurity and develop skills in an industry undergoing rapid change.
One of the main sessions was a masterclass led by ethical hacker Gaël Musquet, who spoke to participants about cybersecurity, ethical hacking and emerging challenges in the digital world.
The event was held alongside the Dakar 2026 Olympic flame’s visit to Saint-Louis.
Legacy beyond Dakar 2026
The Cyber Games form part of the D26 Cyber Legacy Program, one of the initiatives designed to ensure the Youth Olympic Games leave a lasting impact beyond sport.
Working with Check Point, a Dakar 2026 premium partner, the programme aims to train more than 1,500 young people in cybersecurity by 2027.
The goal is to strengthen Senegal’s cybersecurity expertise and create a pipeline of young talent capable of contributing to the country’s digital security.
The initiative is one of several Dakar 2026 legacy projects being developed before the Games begin on 31 October.
The third Cyber Games therefore extends the reach of the Youth Olympic Games beyond competition, using the event as a platform to develop skills that can continue to benefit Senegalese communities after the closing ceremony.