Visa is preparing to support digital payments during the Summer Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, as Senegal gets ready to host the first Olympic sporting event on African soil.
The Games, scheduled for October 31 to November 13, are expected to bring together approximately 2,700 young athletes from around the world. Under its “Visa at Dakar 2026: Powering the Payment Experience” initiative, the company plans to work with financial institutions and local partners to expand payment acceptance and provide secure, convenient transactions for athletes, fans and visitors.
Visa will support merchant engagement and digital payment acceptance in Dakar and Saly, including through two fan zones designed to increase visibility for participating businesses and encourage local commerce.
The initiative forms part of Visa’s long-standing partnership with the Olympic Movement, which began in 1986. The company is a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games through 2032.
Visa also plans to open a new office in Dakar by the end of 2026, strengthening its engagement with financial institutions, regulators, merchants and fintech companies in Senegal.
The company says its involvement aims to leave a legacy beyond the Games by expanding digital payment acceptance and supporting local businesses as Senegal advances its digital transformation.
