San Francisco Frontiers - Cash-strapped Senegalese unmoved by Youth Olympic Games

The promise of the first Olympic event ever hosted on African soil is not necessarily felt by the likes of street vendors and mechanics, who told AFP the money spent preparing for the Games could have been put to better use.

Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games from October 31 to November 13, but with just a month to go, many Dakar residents say they have other priorities.

While the Games are being billed as historic, Arame Diop, who was shopping for children's clothes at the Grand-Yoff market, was unconvinced.

The 34-year-old told AFP that "given all the difficulties the country is currently facing, I don't think it's a top priority".

The funds allocated to infrastructure, she said, would be better spent on other needs.

The Games are taking place against a backdrop of economic hardship following the 2024 discovery of hidden debt under former president Macky Sall's administration (2012-2024).

Since then, confidence among Senegal's international economic partners has been shaken.

The IMF froze its loan programme to Senegal following the news, and only recently reached a new agreement for a $2.2 billion loan that still awaits final approval.

- 'Could have done without' -

In mid-September at Yoff's Mamadou Diop Square, a handful of people watched as the Youth Olympic torch passed by at the start of its nationwide relay.

Ibrahima Samb, a 26-year-old waiter, leaned against a car as he and a friend tried to figure out what had drawn the crowd.

When he learned it was for the torch, he was blunt: "We really could have done without these Games given the country's current situation, or at least postponed them".

"People are suffering, they aren't even working to make a living anymore but just to survive", he said.

For months, Dakar residents have been living against the rhythm of infrastructure and public space renovations aimed at clearing the way for the Games.

Contacted by AFP, Senegalese authorities would not specify the cost of the projects.

However, the country's 2026 budget allocates approximately 138 million euros ($156 million) for the Youth Olympic Games infrastructure programme.

In addition, the French Development Agency (AFD) granted Senegal an 80-million-euro loan to refurbish sports facilities and create local sports amenities.

- Vendor evictions -

Sitting on the table where he displays his wares, street vendor Mamadou Ndiaye spoke bitterly about the eviction of numerous hawkers, who have been chased from some of the capital's sidewalks ahead of the Games.

"You can't sacrifice thousands of family men who are already struggling to pay rent, school fees or provide for their loved ones, for an event that lasts less than a month", the 43-year-old said.

"What is the point of having all this infrastructure if people are hungry?" he asked.

A small distance away, Ibrahima Balde, who was sitting on a stool, agreed.

Lamenting the high cost of everything from electricity to rent, he nonetheless conceded there was potential for some small-scale economic gains.

"Many countries will send delegations and they'll bring their money. Small vendors stand to benefit, as do the transport sector and housing providers", he said.

But along Dakar's Corniche oceanside drive at the Soumbedioune handicraft market where statuettes, art and other goods are sold, at least one merchant was slightly more optimistic.

Aliou Sow, 70, secretary-general of a sculptors' association, said he sees the Games as an economic opportunity during "difficult times".

"With all the participants, it could be a good thing for Senegal", he said.

F.Edwards--SFF