Dakar 2026: Saint-Louis hosts the 3rd edition of the Cyber Games during the "Flame Tour"

The city of Saint-Louis vibrated to the rhythm of youth, technology and the Olympic spirit this Saturday, October 3, 2026. As part of the national tour of the Flame of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, the Cybersecurity Directorate of the COJOJ set up shop at the French Institute of Senegal in Saint-Louis to organize the 3rd edition of the Cyber ​​Games.

The event, sponsored by Mr. Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, President of CNOSS and COJOJ Dakar 2026, benefited from the support of Check Point, official partner of the initiative, as well as the French Embassy and the French Institute.

Senegalese youth at the forefront of technology

This Nordic edition confirmed the growing enthusiasm among young people for careers in the digital sector. "450 young people registered on the official Cyber ​​Games platform. After selection, approximately 200 competitors took part in the events. They came from all over Senegal, notably from Saint-Louis, Dakar, Thiès, and Louga," stated the press release from the Organizing Committee for the Youth Olympic Games (COJOJ), which also noted that "nearly a thousand guests attended the competition and the cultural activities that punctuated the day."

For the organizers, "these figures confirm it: cybersecurity is attracting more and more young Senegalese. The Cyber ​​Games offer them a concrete place to discover digital professions, compete against the best and exchange with professionals."

Masterclass in ethical hacking and communion with the Flame

Between technical challenges, demonstrations, and activities, the program ran intensely from morning to night. One of the highlights of the day was the Masterclass led by ethical hacker Gaël Musquet, dedicated to "cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and the challenges of the digital world."

Alongside the competition, the Olympic symbol illuminated the old town. "A ceremony around the Flame brought together participants, guests, competitors, and local stakeholders at the French Institute: cultural activities, an artistic procession, music, and moments shared with the public," the text notes. The Youth Olympic Games symbol then made its way to the riverbank: "The Flame then continued its journey to the Senegal River, where it was lit at the Faidherbe Bridge. One of the highlights of this leg of the 'Flame Tour'."

Building a lasting legacy for national digital technology

Beyond the one-off competition, this event aims to create a lasting impact across the country. The Cyber ​​Games are fully integrated into the D26 Cyber ​​Legacy Program, the cyber legacy component of the Youth Olympic Games.

“In partnership with Check Point, this program aims to train more than 1,500 young people in cybersecurity by 2027. The objective: to sustainably strengthen national skills in operational cybersecurity and to bring forth a new generation of Senegalese talent, ready to protect the country’s digital space,” the press release concludes, recalling that the relocation to Saint-Louis demonstrates the desire to “bring the Dakar 2026 initiatives closer to young people, in all regions of Senegal.”