By: Madi Senghore
The Gambia is preparing to host the 2026 African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 2 Games, scheduled for 7 to 13 June 2026 in Banjul.
The regional multi-sport event will bring together under-20 athletes from member states across Southern and Eastern Africa, providing a platform for young sportsmen and sportswomen to compete at a high level and promote regional unity through sport.
Hundreds of athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters are expected to participate in the week-long competition. Events will include athletics, 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, and other selected disciplines, including traditional African sports.
Hosting the Games is seen as a major milestone for The Gambia’s sports development agenda, with expectations that the country will showcase its capacity to stage international competitions while promoting sports tourism and cultural exchange.
The event is also expected to generate economic activity, particularly in the hospitality and services sectors, as visiting delegations arrive in the country.
Organisers say the Games will serve as a development platform for young athletes seeking international exposure, with many participants aiming to progress to continental and global competitions.
Gambian athletes will compete on home soil and are expected to benefit from strong local support as they face some of the region’s top emerging talents.
Preparations are ongoing to ensure that facilities, logistics, and accommodation meet the required standards ahead of the opening ceremony, as the country moves closer to hosting the continental youth sporting event.