KIGALI
Rwanda will host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix under a 10-year agreement that will bring the championship back to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
The agreement was announced Tuesday at BK Arena in Kigali by President Paul Kagame, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The first race is expected in the early 2030s, after completion of a new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 40 kilometers from Kigali. Plans presented for the circuit include a 6-kilometer track with 17 corners running counterclockwise.
Kagame described the agreement as a milestone for Rwanda and the continent.
“I am very happy to formally announce that Rwanda has been working very hard towards hosting the African Grand Prix in the early 2030s,” Kagame said.
“This partnership is long overdue. But it is a success and a milestone for the entire continent, especially for the African fans,” he added.
Kagame said Rwanda wants the project to generate benefits beyond race weekend through tourism, hospitality, entertainment, infrastructure and employment.
“We want to contribute, not just participate. And this new chapter in motorsports starts today,” he said.
Formula 1 sees long-term African legacy
Domenicali said Formula 1 had discussed returning to Africa for years but wanted the right partner and a long-term vision.
“For many years, we have spoken about our desire to return, but always said we would return in the right way, with the right vision and the right partner. That partner is Rwanda,” he said.
He said the project should create opportunities in tourism, investment, education and employment while giving young Africans greater access to careers in motorsport.
Africa has more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, according to F1.
“Today’s announcement brings Formula One closer to them than ever before,” Domenicali said.
Ben Sulayem called the agreement a historic moment and said the FIA would work with Rwanda to develop local motorsport skills, education and grassroots programs.
“We cannot build the pinnacle of motorsport unless the grassroots are right,” he said. “Accessibility comes from affordability.”
He said Rwanda should develop local expertise rather than depend on imported personnel and services to stage the race.
“It’s not a circus that goes on for a week and disappears. It has to engrave something back into Rwandan society,” Ben Sulayem said.
Rwanda has increasingly used international sport to attract visitors and investment. The country hosted the UCI Road World Championships in 2025 and has staged major events across basketball, football, cycling and other sports.
The African Grand Prix will become one of Rwanda’s biggest sporting projects, with officials emphasizing tourism, jobs, skills development and investment as part of the event’s intended long-term legacy.
