Senegal will host the first Olympic event ever on African soil when the Youth Olympic Games begin on October 31. The event will feature about 2,700 athletes competing in 153 events across 25 sports, marking a major milestone for African sports. The event comes amid growing international sporting activity on the continent, including plans for Kenya to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. As a result, organizers and observers see the Games as proof that Africa can stage major global competitions. They also expect the Games to generate wider benefits for roads, hospitality, security and broadcasting, while providing opportunities for young athletes. Meanwhile, Senegal’s approach of refurbishing existing facilities rather than building large new venues has been highlighted as a model for limiting costly infrastructure projects and increasing Africa’s chances of hosting more high-profile sporting events.