IOC and Laureus Sport for Good Invest $2 Million in Youth Education and Employability Through Sports in Africa

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Laureus Sport for Good have announced a $2 million partnership to promote youth education and employability through sport in Africa. The two-year program will work with local organizations using sport to develop transferable skills for young people.

This initiative aligns with the IOC's Olympism365 strategy, which aims to strengthen the role of sport as an enabler for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The collaboration was developed in consultation with 36 local, continental, and global organizations to identify needs and solutions.

Why this matters: This program will contribute to the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, which will be the first Olympic event hosted in Africa. It is seen as a catalyst for sporting, social, cultural, educational, and economic transformation, providing hope and opportunities for young people across the continent.

The $2 million investment will support local organizations in Africa that are using sport to empower youth and equip them with skills for future employment. By focusing on education and employability, the IOC and Laureus Sport for Good aim to create lasting positive change in communities throughout Africa.

IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "This partnership with Laureus Sport for Good is an important step in our mission to support youth development and create a better world through sport. We believe that sport has the power to inspire and unite people, and this program will help unlock that potential in Africa."

The program will be implemented over the next two years, leading up to the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. It represents a major milestone for the Olympic Movement in Africa and underscores the IOC's commitment to using sport as a tool for positive social change.

Key Takeaways

• IOC and Laureus announce $2M partnership to promote youth education in Africa.
• Program aims to develop transferable skills through sport, aligned with UN SDGs.
• Partnership supports 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Africa's first Olympic event.
• Funding will support local organizations using sport to empower African youth.
• Partnership represents milestone for Olympic Movement and sport's role in social change.