The choice of Senegal points to the country’s proactive turn to a new development path aimed at transforming its economy, improving living conditions, and overhauling its infrastructure. Under president Macky Sall, who was elected in 2012, the country kickstarted the ambitious Plan for Emerging Senegal which aims to transform key sectors from agriculture to healthcare, public administration and education by 2035.

The Olympic Club in Dakar, Senegal
The Olympic Club in Dakar, Senegal
Image: IOC Media

Senegal also touted its new urban centers in its proposal, which combine contemporary and abstract architecture with an homage to the nation’s rich history and natural beauty. Its application to the IOC was based on three sites: the capital, Dakar; the new city of Diamniadio; and the seaside resort of Saly. Up to 11 venues, either new or renovated, will host the games due to take place in four years.

The 10-lane Olympic pool in Dakar
The 10-lane Olympic pool in Dakar, Senegal
Image: IOC Media

The choice of Diamniadio is especially unique: a $2 billion, 1,644-hectares futuristic city that is being built to decongest the capital that is about 40 miles away. With skyscrapers, new highways, an industrial park, government offices, and a university, Diamniadio is being cast as Senegal’s leap into the future. The city is also close to the just-completed Blaise Diagne international airport, and will be connected to the capital through a railway system scheduled for completion in Jan. 2019.

The National Wrestling Arena in Dakar, Senegal
The National Wrestling Arena in Dakar, courtesy of China.
Image: Screenshot/Youth Olympic Games

While the games might come with much fanfare and pride for Senegal, they also offer a cautionary tale. Many African countries have struggled to host international sports tournaments mostly because they don’t have the money or the required infrastructural capabilities. And when they do, like the in case of South Africa hosting the World Cup in 2010, they are left behind with costly “white elephant stadiums” they struggle to maintain. Senegal should especially be circumspect, given its worrying intake of Chinese debt to jumpstart its development plans.

For now, president Sall and his administration are willing to overlook all this for the “historic” move of opening a door long shut to Africa.

Dakar Arena
The Dakar Arena in Diamniadio
Image: Screenshot/Youth Olympic Games

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