Senegal will train thousands of young people and develop a national cloud computing system in partnership with China’s Alibaba Group as part of preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, officials said Wednesday.
The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure, build local technical capacity and support the secure management of data for what will be the first Olympic event held on African soil.
According to Senegal’s Digital Ministry, the programme will train around 100 engineers in advanced cloud technologies and expose several thousand additional young people to digital skills, as the country accelerates efforts to position itself as a regional technology hub.
The project is being developed in collaboration with Alibaba Group, which will help design and deploy a “sovereign cloud” system intended to host sensitive national data within Senegalese territory.
Digital Minister Alioune Sall said the infrastructure is already in the testing phase, with equipment installed and verified by both Senegalese and Alibaba engineers.
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“Training will begin very soon. It has not started yet because we have just finished deploying the data centre infrastructure,” Sall was quoted as saying by the Senegalese Press Agency.
He added that systems had been tested for redundancy and reliability, ensuring they can handle high volumes of data and remain operational during peak demand periods such as major international events.
The cloud infrastructure will play a key role in supporting the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026. Organisers say the event will require advanced digital systems to manage accreditation, security coordination, logistics and visitor services.
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Authorities are also developing digital applications to streamline entry procedures and improve the management of participant and visitor flows during the games.
The project forms part of Senegal’s broader digital transformation strategy, known as the “New Deal Technologique,” launched in 2025. The roadmap aims to modernise public services, strengthen data sovereignty and develop a competitive digital economy.
A central goal of the strategy is to reduce dependence on foreign-managed infrastructure by building domestic capacity in cloud computing, cybersecurity and data management. The government also plans to train up to 100,000 graduates in digital fields, with most expected to obtain certified qualifications.
Officials say the sovereign cloud system will ensure that all sensitive national data is stored within Senegal, a key priority as countries across Africa seek greater control over their digital infrastructure amid growing concerns over data security and external dependency.
Beyond the immediate needs of the Youth Olympics, the government hopes the initiative will lay the foundation for a long-term technology ecosystem capable of attracting investment from global tech firms and supporting the growth of local startups.
By partnering with Alibaba, Senegal is also tapping into one of the world’s largest cloud computing providers, which has expanded its footprint across emerging markets in recent years.
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Analysts say the project reflects a broader trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly investing in digital infrastructure as a driver of economic diversification and job creation.
However, they also caution that sustaining such initiatives will require continued investment in education, regulatory frameworks and reliable energy and connectivity infrastructure.
For Senegal, officials say the priority is clear: build a skilled workforce and a secure digital backbone that can support both national development goals and the demands of hosting a major international sporting event.
