Latest news with #Senegalese
Associated Press
a day ago
- General
- Associated Press
Dakar 2026 Advances Venue and Legacy Plans As Youth Olympic Games Preparations Intensify
International Olympic Committee news With less than a year and a half until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 begin, the seventh meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s Coordination Commission marked another key milestone in Games planning. The two-day hybrid meeting brought together key stakeholders to review the latest progress in Dakar 2026 preparations. Newly appointed Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange, IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry and an IOC delegation participated on-site in Dakar, while other Commission members joined remotely – including IOC Vice-President Nawal El Moutawakel, who has played a pivotal role in the leadership and direction of the Commission from its early stages and has recently been named Vice-Chair. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to delivering Africa's first Olympic sporting event, with a strong focus on operational success and a lasting legacy for the Senegalese youth. The meeting opened with a video message from IOC President Thomas Bach, who praised the progress made by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) and underlined the unique significance of the first Olympic sporting event on African soil. 'We all know that the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 will be truly special,' he said. 'Dakar 2026 will be a moment for Africa to shine on the global stage. Dakar 2026 will welcome young athletes from around the world to celebrate sport, culture and the legendary Senegalese spirit of teranga.' Learning Academy launches first cohort A central highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy – a flagship initiative designed to train and recruit over 400 young professionals aged 21 to 35 in the lead-up to the Games. This structured programme equips participants with essential skills in Games management and operations, enabling them to support the Organising Committee, while building long-term event delivery capacity across Senegal and the continent. Venue master plan finalised as works progress The Coordination Commission welcomed the finalisation of the Dakar 2026 venue master plan, which now includes confirmation of the road cycling route. The race will start and finish along Dakar's scenic Corniche Ouest, providing a vivid and iconic backdrop. Significant construction progress has also been reported across key venues, enhancing overall venue readiness. Comprehensive planning across Games operations In addition to people management, legacy and venues, the Coordination Commission reviewed progress across all functional areas, including technology, ticketing, Games services, marketing, security, athlete education and youth engagement. Progress has been made since the last Commission meeting in November 2024. The Commission emphasised the importance of transitioning towards a more operational and delivery-focused approach, with the YOGOC evolving into its Games-time structure. Humphrey Kayange, Chair of the Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026, said: 'With less than 18 months to go, we are entering the final stretch. These past two days have been incredibly valuable, filled with constructive exchanges that have helped us build a clear picture of where we stand. The momentum that's been built gives us confidence as we move forward towards delivering extraordinary Games for Africa.' Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, also reflected on the progress made and the strengthened commitment from all stakeholders: 'By the end of this 7th meeting, the Coordination Commission, led by its new Chair, Humphrey Kayange, had seen and welcomed the considerable progress made in the various areas related to the YOG Dakar 2026 preparations, and observed that the stage is set for memorable YOG on African soil. It was heartening to hear IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry's re-affirmed commitment to supporting our project. This is an additional reason for the OCOG teams and all the national stakeholders to feel motivated and engaged. The spirit of co-creation between the IOC and Dakar 2026 that has been present so far is evident once again.' Corniche de Dakar to host Espace Let's Move Plans were also shared for the Corniche de Dakar, which will serve as the main hub for celebration and youth engagement during Dakar 2026. This iconic coastal stretch will host Espace Let's Move, a vibrant zone featuring engagement sports alongside a comprehensive programme of cultural, educational and interactive activities. Organised in partnership with national federations and local stakeholders, the area will offer sports demonstrations, health and nutrition workshops and activations promoting the Olympic values. Live entertainment and local food stalls will help create an inclusive, festival-like atmosphere that welcomes young people and families into the heart of the Games experience. Dakar en Jeux 2025 to celebrate youth, sport and Olympic values Looking ahead, the Dakar en Jeux Festival will return later this year for its fourth and final edition before the YOG. Taking place from 3 to 9 November 2025, the festival will once again bring together sport, culture, education and health in a dynamic week-long celebration that reflects the spirit and values of the Games. The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes aged up to 17 years. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly). ### The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.7 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world. ### For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:Tel: +41 21 621 6000, email: [email protected], or visit our web site at Broadcast quality footage The IOC Newsroom: Videos YouTube: Photos For an extensive selection of photos available shortly after each event, please follow us on Flickr. To request archive photos and footage, please contact our Content Licensing Unit at: [email protected]. Social media For up-to-the-minute information on the IOC and regular updates, please follow us on X and YouTube. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from International Olympic Committee
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Mauritanian Sidi Ould Tah elected president of African Development Bank
ABIDJAN, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Mauritanian Sidi Ould Tah was elected Thursday as president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) during the 60th annual meetings of the African banking institution currently taking place at its headquarters in Abidjan, economic capital of Cote d'Ivoire. According to a statement from the AfDB, Tah won after three rounds of voting with 76.18 percent of the votes, defeating Zambian Samuel Maimbo (20.26 percent) and Senegalese Amadou Hott (3.55 percent). Two other candidates, Chadian Abbas Mahamat Tolli and South African Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, were also in the race. Tah was elected by the bank's Board of Governors, which is composed of finance and economy ministers or central bank governors from the 81 member countries of the bank group, both regional and non-regional. The Board of Governors is the highest decision-making body of the AfDB. The elected candidate needed to secure at least 50.01 percent of the votes both regionally and non-regionally. Tah has over 35 years of experience in African and international finance. A former minister of economy and finance of Mauritania, he has held senior positions in multilateral institutions and led operations related to crisis response, financial reform, and innovative resource mobilization for Africa. He also served as president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for ten years starting in 2015. "Let's get to work now, I am ready," said the elected president, addressing the bank group's governors and the media shortly after voting results were announced. Tah will assume office on Sept. 1 for a five-year term, succeeding the current president, Akinwumi Adesina. The 2025 annual meetings of the bank group, held under the theme "Making Africa's Capital Work Better for Africa's Development," began on Monday and will end on Friday. Shareholder countries of the AfDB comprise 54 African countries that are called regional member countries, and 27 non-African countries known as non-regional member countries.
2 days ago
- Business
African Development Bank elects top economist as president to face funding challenges
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast -- The African Development Bank elected Mauritanian economist Sidi Ould Tah as its next president on Thursday to steer the region's top development finance institution through difficult times amid funding cuts from the U.S. and other key partners. Tah, 60, was elected by the bank's board of governors, which includes finance ministers and central bank governors from its 81 regional and non-regional member countries. He will take over on Sept. 1 for a five-year term, succeeding Nigeria's Akinwumi Adesina, who is stepping down after two terms. The election took three rounds of voting to decide between the five candidates in the contest. Tah won with 76.18% of the vote, ahead of Zambia's Samuel Maimbo (with 20.26%), who is a vice-president of the World Bank, and former Senegalese economy minister Amadou Hott (3.55%). The vote came during the bank's annual meetings in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where economic headwinds — from debt distress to climate shocks — have dominated discussions. Observers see Tah's leadership as pivotal in steering the institution through a period of rising pressure on African economies and tightening global development finance. 'The AfDB's role is now more critical than ever,' said Bismark Rewane, an economist and chief executive of Lagos-based Financial Derivatives Co. He called for 'African resilience" at a time when 'no one is going to pick the chestnut out of the fire' for African countries. "Africa has to look more inwards and be innovative in its thinking to thrive,' Rewane said. Since 2015, Tah has been managing the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, based in Khartoum, Sudan. He has formerly held senior government roles in Mauritania, including minister of agriculture and minister of economy and rural development, and was an economic advisor to the president. —-
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Mauritanian Sidi Ould Tah Elected President of African Development Bank
Doha – The Mauritanian economist Sidi Ould Tah has been elected president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) with 76.18% of the votes. The election took place on Thursday, during the institution's annual meetings in Abidjan. Ould Tah prevailed after three rounds of voting, defeating Zambian Samuel Munzele Maimbo who received 20.26% of votes and Senegalese Amadou Hott with 3.55%. The two other candidates, Chadian Mahamat Abbas Tolli and South African Swazi Tshabalala, were eliminated in earlier rounds. 'I would like to thank Africa for this trust. I thank you for this confidence, and I understand the responsibility and duty that comes with it,' declared Ould Tah following his election. He concluded his brief speech in English saying: 'Now, it's time to go to work. I'm ready.' The newly elected president brings substantial experience to the position. For the past decade, he has served as head of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), where he significantly transformed the institution. Under his leadership, BADEA's annual commitments increased from $200 million to $2.2 billion in 2023. Prior to BADEA, Ould Tah assumed the post of Mauritania's Minister of Economic Affairs and Development from 2008 to 2015. He holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis and a postgraduate degree from the University of Paris VII. His campaign focused on four priorities: climate resilience, economic diversification, inclusion of youth and women, and mobilizing innovative financing. He also advocates for reforming Africa's financial architecture and better integration of the informal sector through fintech and blockchain. Read also: AfDB Accelerates Morocco's World Cup 2030 Vision with $685 Million Investment 'His various experiences have allowed him to develop expertise that will be invaluable,' said Nialé Kaba, Ivorian Minister of Economy and Planning and chair of the AfDB Board of Governors. 'He represents great hope for Africa. Given the complex international context, we need more than ever to mobilize financing. We are convinced he will succeed.' Ould Tah will officially take office on September 1, succeeding Nigerian Akinwumi Adesina, who led the institution for ten years. Despite mixed reviews of Adesina's tenure, he leaves the AfDB in excellent financial health, with a net profit of €310 million last year. Founded in 1964, the bank, which has 81 member countries, including 54 African nations, is one of the major multilateral development banks globally. Under Adesina's presidency, the AfDB's capital tripled from $93 billion to $318 billion. Ould Tah inherits a ten-year strategy (2024-2033) focused on Adesina's 'High 5' priorities: feed, light up, integrate and industrialize Africa, while improving Africans' quality of life. However, he may reorient this strategy according to his own priorities, which he has called 'The Four Cardinal Points.' The new president faces immediate challenges, including a changing international economic environment. The United States has announced plans to eliminate its half-billion-dollar contribution to the bank's fund for low-income countries on the continent. Morocco has maintained a strong partnership with the AfDB since 1978. The bank has committed a cumulative $15 billion to the country, supporting over 150 projects in sectors ranging from human development to energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and finance. Notable projects include the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex and the strategic Nador West Med port. The AfDB has also supported infrastructure development in preparation for Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup and invested over €1.5 billion in water management projects to address persistent drought. Tags: AFDBAfrican Development Bank
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
African Development Bank elects top economist as president to face funding challenges
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — The African Development Bank elected Mauritanian economist Sidi Ould Tah as its next president on Thursday to steer the region's top development finance institution through difficult times amid funding cuts from the U.S. and other key partners. Tah, 60, was elected by the bank's board of governors, which includes finance ministers and central bank governors from its 81 regional and non-regional member countries. He will take over on Sept. 1 for a five-year term, succeeding Nigeria's Akinwumi Adesina, who is stepping down after two terms. The election took three rounds of voting to decide between the five candidates in the contest. Tah won with 76.18% of the vote, ahead of Zambia's Samuel Maimbo (with 20.26%), who is a vice-president of the World Bank, and former Senegalese economy minister Amadou Hott (3.55%). The vote came during the bank's annual meetings in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where economic headwinds — from debt distress to climate shocks — have dominated discussions. Observers see Tah's leadership as pivotal in steering the institution through a period of rising pressure on African economies and tightening global development finance. 'The AfDB's role is now more critical than ever,' said Bismark Rewane, an economist and chief executive of Lagos-based Financial Derivatives Co. He called for 'African resilience" at a time when 'no one is going to pick the chestnut out of the fire' for African countries. "Africa has to look more inwards and be innovative in its thinking to thrive,' Rewane said. Since 2015, Tah has been managing the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, based in Khartoum, Sudan. He has formerly held senior government roles in Mauritania, including minister of agriculture and minister of economy and rural development, and was an economic advisor to the president. —- Adebayo reported from Abuja, Nigeria.
