The bank, a subsidiary of FirstBank Group, formalised a sponsorship that ties its First@Sports initiative to the event scheduled from 31 October to 13 November 2026 in Dakar. The Games will be the first Olympic event held on African soil and are expected to gather approximately 2,700 athletes from more than 200 countries under the theme “Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates.”
FBNBank Senegal’s role extends beyond branding. The bank says it has backed critical infrastructure development from early stages, including financing for the Diamniadio Olympic Village, and will handle financial services and the operational banking needs of the Games. The bank also launched the Japandi programme to expand account access, allowing athletes and members of the organising committee to open bank accounts free of charge.
The sponsorship underscores FirstBank Group’s stated commitment to youth empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, technology, financial literacy, and sport. The group highlighted its 132 years of history as context for a long-running focus on initiatives that create development pathways for young people across Africa.
Commenting on the decision, Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank Group, said, "Young people are the architects of Africa’s future." Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the Organising Committee for Dakar 2026, added, "When Africa calls, it is essential that African actors be the first to respond."
The alliance frames the bank as a regional financier of the Games and as a provider of practical services to participants. It also ties the sponsorship to FirstBank’s sustainability objectives, which the bank says include youth development and community impact. For FirstBank Group, the deal is both a marketing platform and a vehicle to extend its First@Sports programmes ahead of the November 2026 opening.
With preparations underway, FBNBank Senegal’s responsibilities will focus on delivering the banking infrastructure required for the event, supporting athletes’ access to financial services, and channeling the group’s sports-focused development programmes into a high-profile international forum.
