Diomaye faye highlights Senegal’s africa cup victory at Nairobi summit

During the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, delivered a standout address that captivated the audience. His opening statement—”Senegal is Africa’s champion”—drew thunderous applause, paying tribute to the national football team’s recent continental triumph. Faye framed the victory as more than a sporting achievement, positioning it as a symbol of the country’s broader progress and potential.

The high-level forum, held at the University of Nairobi as part of the Africa-France Business Forum, brought together global leaders including Presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Emmanuel Macron of France, and Duma Boko. Also in attendance was Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underscoring the summit’s focus on the transformative power of sport.

sport as a catalyst for national growth

In his address, President Faye emphasized the central role of sport in Senegal’s national development agenda. He presented it not only as a driver of economic growth and job creation but also as a unifying force that fosters social cohesion and national pride. His speech outlined a vision where investment in sports infrastructure directly supports broader socio-economic transformation.

building the future: infrastructure and youth engagement

With Dakar 2026 on the horizon—the first Youth Olympic Games ever hosted on African soil—Faye highlighted tangible progress already underway. He reported that over 132,000 workers are currently engaged in constructing and upgrading sports facilities nationwide. These efforts extend beyond stadiums, including the rollout of community multi-sport pitches designed to give young people accessible spaces for training, recreation, and social development.

The President also reiterated Senegal’s commitment to hosting a historic and inclusive event, positioning Dakar 2026 as a platform for Africa to showcase its talent, unity, and ambition on the global stage.

a call to action: investing in sports for lasting impact

Faye concluded with a powerful call for increased investment in African sports. He urged development partners and private investors to recognize the sector’s potential to generate long-term economic benefits while strengthening national identity and social cohesion. The speech served as both a celebration of recent achievements and a forward-looking roadmap for sustainable sports development in Senegal and beyond.

mark your calendars: Dakar 2026 approaches

In closing, President Faye invited the world to Dakar in October 2026, under the official slogan: “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates.” The event is poised to mark a pivotal moment for African youth, sports, and international cooperation.