DAKAR, Senegal — The Youth Olympic Games have officially kicked off in Dakar, marking the first time Africa has hosted an Olympic event. Running through November 13, the Games have brought approximately 2,700 young athletes to the capital and surrounding areas. However, many local residents are grappling with a cost-of-living crisis that overshadows the historic occasion.
Paulina Netinan Nodjibougada, a 26-year-old accounting student, reflected on her family’s struggles to manage rising living expenses amid the excitement. “I’m not very enthusiastic because there are too many problems,” she said, emphasizing the challenges of finding work and making ends meet in Dakar.
Young people, who comprise around 75% of Senegal’s population, are particularly affected, with youth unemployment rates at approximately 23%. Despite the potential benefits of the Games, many citizens face immediate financial challenges. “The government should also think about young people; we are the majority,” Nodjibougada added.
The rising costs of everyday items are hitting households hard. Momar Assane Diouf, a 33-year-old entrepreneur, noted significant price increases for essentials like food and school supplies. He cited that the price of meat has surged from about 3,000 CFA francs ($5) to 5,500 CFA francs ($9) per kilogram within months. The financial strain has forced him to juggle multiple jobs to support his family.
Senegal’s government faces its own financial difficulties, including a massive debt load that has hampered its ability to provide relief to struggling families. An audit last year revealed billions in hidden borrowing, prompting the country to seek a $2.2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, which would entail stricter economic measures.
In response to rising global oil prices, the government increased gasoline and diesel prices in August, exacerbating public unrest. This frustration has led to demonstrations, including worker marches in April and protests at Dakar’s Cheikh Anta Diop University following a student’s death during unrest over unpaid financial aid.
While the Senegalese government has committed approximately 36 billion CFA francs ($60 million) to the Youth Olympics, including 11.3 billion CFA francs ($19 million) for venue renovations, critics argue that the funds could address more pressing needs. A recent initiative announced by the president’s wife to purchase tickets for underprivileged youth also raised questions regarding its funding sources.
Although some citizens, like Diouf, hope the Games will offer temporary relief from daily hardships, he cautioned that the underlying issues would not disappear with the festivities. “Life is expensive. Life will be expensive during the Games, and life will be expensive after the Games,” he stated.
In some neighborhoods, preparations for the Games have negatively impacted businesses. Mamadou Wadji, who leads a cooperative of shoemakers, reported a drop in sales after his members were relocated from a busy market to an unfinished facility as part of the Games’ organization. His household budget has doubled, highlighting the economic strain on local workers.
As the Games continue, the local population is left to navigate a complex interplay of celebration and pressing economic challenges, with many residents hoping for more than just a momentary reprieve.
