Khaby Lame, the Senegalese TikTok creator with over 160 million followers, has been appointed as an ambassador for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal later this year.
According to the event organizers, Khaby will play an active role in the Games’ highlights, including participating in the Torch Relay, which is set to arrive in Dakar on September 12.
“This commitment reflects my desire to support young African talent, in sports and far beyond. Dakar 2026 will offer our continent the opportunity to reveal its best and inspire young people in Africa and around the world. It is an opportunity to demonstrate that, beyond its resilience, Africa is also a force. I am proud to be Senegalese, proud to be African, and we will make this first Olympic event in Africa a complete success,” Lame said.
As ambassador, he will engage in key activities such as the YOG Torch Tour across Senegal and help enhance the social and inclusive impact of Dakar 2026, particularly by facilitating youth participation in cities like Mbacké, his birthplace.
The partnership highlights Dakar 2026’s commitment to engaging influential voices globally and underscores the Games’ ambition to inspire the next generation of athletes.
The Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to run from October 31 to November 13, 2026, and will host approximately 2,700 athletes aged 17 and under across three venues: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
