International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2026: How Sport is Transforming Education and Employment in Africa

As the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace approaches on 6 April, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) highlights the transformative role of sport in strengthening education, skills development, and employability for young people across Africa. Since the launch of its Olympism365 strategy, more than 643,000 young Africans have participated in initiatives that leverage sport to support learning, social integration, and youth empowerment. 

In Senegal, host of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, these efforts are already shaping a long‑term educational legacy. Through the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) and the upcoming Civic and Sports Olympic Diploma (BOCS), nearly 900,000 students from 11,000 schools are expected to benefit from values‑based education. Participants such as Awa Ndao and Balla Dieye—who took part in the first OVEP “train‑the‑trainer” session in 2022—now serve within the Dakar 2026 organizing committee, demonstrating how sport‑based education can open meaningful professional pathways. 

Across the continent, the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy is also driving broader development outcomes through the initiative “Sport, Education and Sustainable Livelihoods.” Implemented in 13 African countries, this programme has already supported around 40,500 young people, combining sport with skills development and livelihood opportunities. These efforts highlight sport’s unique ability to build competencies that contribute to employability, confidence, leadership, and long‑term resilience. 

These initiatives go beyond individual training by addressing community‑level challenges, including gender equality, social cohesion, and inclusion. By expanding access to quality sport activities, young people—particularly girls and socially vulnerable groups—gain opportunities to develop life skills, strengthen their sense of belonging, and pursue new educational and professional trajectories. Sport thus becomes a strategic tool not only for personal growth but also for community development across Africa. 

By spotlighting these achievements ahead of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the IOC reaffirms its commitment to advancing sustainable development through sport. As Dakar 2026 approaches, the impact of these programmes demonstrates how sport can catalyse long‑lasting opportunities for African youth, reinforcing an inclusive and forward‑looking legacy for generations to come.