JO’TALI 2026
Led by youth. Owned by communities.
Jo’tali means “to reach” in Wolof. From 5 November to 10 December 2026, young people in 50 rural communities across Senegal will organize their own sports meets, mentoring sessions and public debates.
25,000 young people from rural communities will take part in Jo’tali. Tostan, which has worked alongside these communities for more than three decades, supports them.
JO’TALI is an independent community initiative.
2026
A season for sport.
A global youth event.
From 31 October to 13 November 2026, Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event held in Africa. The competitions will take place in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, all three urban areas. Yet nearly half of Senegalese live in rural areas. Millions of young people will watch this historic moment from far away, with no part in it. Many of them, especially girls, have few places to play organized sport and even fewer spaces where their views shape community decisions. Jo’tali starts there.
A Nation of Youth meets an Olympic first.
While 50% of Senegal’s population is under 19 years of age, many young people especially girls do not have the access or opportunities to participate in sports or experience the Games. Yet their perspectives matter to the future of their communities and their country.
JO’TALI helps this national moment become a community experience.
Sources: ANSD / IOC
Senegalese citizens are under 19
are under 35
Olympic event hosted in Africa
to inspire a generation
The spotlight is in host zones. The opportunity is nationwide.
Youth Olympic Games (Dakar 2026)
- The Official Olympic Games concentrated in Dakar’s host zones
- World-class athletes on the world stage
- Youth largely experience it as spectators
The Community Legacy
- Extends reach to 50 rural communities
- Young people are organizers, participants, leaders and storytellers
- Bridges the gap and offers participation, agency and belonging
The Games happen in 3 zones.
JO’TALI’s inspiration and footprint is nationwide.
JO’TALI is designed to connect Dakar 2026 to 50 communities through Tostan’s networks.
Sport as a Gateway to Leadership
JO’TALI uses sport as an entry point for learning, dialogue and community engagement.
A football match becomes a space to explore fairness, inclusion, teamwork, leadership and collectively agreed rules.
Cultural activities, community events and youth-led discussions create safe spaces to explore the issues that matter to young people while strengthening relationships across generations.
Co‑create.
Connect.
Activate.
Each phase serves a distinct purpose. The community activations will come after the Games, building upon the preparation, connection and momentum generated from this historic event.
Building on the legacy of Africa's Olympic pioneers
Amadou Dia Ba · Senegal
Amadou Dia Ba won Senegal’s first Olympic medal, silver in the 400m hurdles at Seoul 1988.
Nawal El Moutawakel · Morocco
In 1984, she became the first African, Arab, and Muslim woman to win Olympic gold.
JO’TALI will bring the inspiration, hope and opportunity of this historic moment to young people across Senegal that will extend beyond Dakar 2026.
