FBNBank Senegal, a subsidiary of FirstBank Group, has become the first Official Bank Partner of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, strengthening the Group’s commitment to youth development, sports and financial inclusion across Africa.
The partnership positions FirstBank Group at the heart of an historic event scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, in Senegal, which will be the first Olympic event to be hosted on African soil.
About 2,700 athletes from more than 200 countries are expected to participate in the Games under the theme, “Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates.”
Beyond its sponsorship role, FBNBank Senegal is supporting the development and financial infrastructure required for the Games. The bank has been involved in the project from its early stages, including financing for the Diamniadio Olympic Village and providing banking services for the event’s operations.
The bank is also expanding access to financial services for participants through its “Japandi” programme, which will enable athletes and members of the Youth Olympic Games organising committee to open bank accounts free of charge.
For FirstBank Group, the partnership represents an extension of its First@Sports initiative, through which the financial institution supports grassroots and elite sports while creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents and pursue excellence.
Speaking on the partnership, FirstBank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, said investing in young people was critical to Africa’s future.
“Young people are the architects of Africa’s future. Investing in them is one of the most meaningful ways to secure the prosperity and stability of our continent,” Alebiosu said.
He added that the Group’s involvement in Dakar 2026 was aimed at nurturing talent, promoting excellence and providing young Africans with platforms to pursue their ambitions.
The partnership also reflects the broader role of the Youth Olympic Games as a platform for promoting friendship, respect, teamwork, cultural exchange and international cooperation among young people.
General Coordinator of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee, Ibrahima Wade, said the partnership demonstrated the importance of African institutions supporting an event of continental significance.
“When Africa calls, it is essential that African actors be the first to respond,” Wade said.
The Games are expected to provide a major international platform for emerging athletes while generating opportunities for youth engagement, skills development and community participation.
FirstBank Group said its support for Dakar 2026 aligns with its long-standing focus on empowering young people through education, entrepreneurship, technology, financial literacy and sports.
With FBNBank Senegal also providing financial services and supporting the operational banking requirements of the Games, the partnership combines sports development with practical financial inclusion, giving young participants greater exposure to formal financial services.
The Group said the initiative reinforces its commitment to building pathways for young Africans to develop their talents, access opportunities and compete on the global stage.