Rwanda has secured a 10 year agreement to host Formula 1, paving the way for the world’s premier single seater motorsport championship to return to Africa for the first time since 1993.
The Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, is expected to join the championship calendar in the early 2030s, following the construction of a purpose built racing circuit in Bugesera, south of the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
The agreement follows years of collaboration between Formula 1, the Rwandan government and the Rwanda Development Board to establish the foundations for a sustainable international racing event.
The new circuit will be developed to Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Grade 1 standards, the highest classification required to host Formula 1 races. Construction forms part of a broader development programme covering sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial investment.
Located approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali and next to the new Kigali International Airport, the proposed circuit will incorporate the area’s natural landscape and elevation changes to create a challenging track with extensive viewing opportunities for spectators.
Beyond the annual race weekend, the venue is intended to operate throughout the year, hosting international motorsport competitions, conferences, entertainment events and other major gatherings.
The Rwandan government and its development partners expect the project to generate employment, attract international investment, strengthen tourism and create opportunities for local businesses and skilled workers.
Formula 1 said Africa represents a significant growth opportunity, with more than 100 million fans across the continent. Almost 60 per cent of fans in key sub Saharan African markets are younger than 35, offering the sport access to a growing audience.
Rwanda has increasingly positioned itself as a destination for international sporting competitions and global events. The country has hosted the UCI Road World Championships, the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the Basketball Africa League, the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and the FIA Awards Ceremony.
The African Grand Prix is intended to build on that record as Rwanda pursues its ambitions in sports, tourism, innovation and business.
Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali described the agreement as a significant development for the championship, which has been absent from the African continent for more than three decades.
“Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1,” said Domenicali. “With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to fans around the globe.
“Africa has always been part of Formula 1’s future, and from the beginning we were determined to return in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact.
“I would like to thank His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, the Government of Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and everyone whose dedication and collaboration have made this possible.
“This is about much more than hosting a Grand Prix. Together, we can create lasting economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development and local business growth, ensuring the positive impact of this event is felt for generations.
“For our fans, this is an especially exciting moment. Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, and that number continues to grow rapidly. We are bringing the excitement, energy and drama of Formula 1 closer to millions of people who have waited a long time to see our sport return to the continent, and we look forward to writing an exciting new chapter together.”
Rwandan President Paul Kagame said the agreement would restore Africa’s place on the Formula 1 calendar while creating opportunities for young people across the continent.
“Today belongs to Africa. For more than three decades, the world’s premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement.
“Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa, many of them young people who deserve to see the sport at home and to see themselves in it: as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and, one day, drivers.
“This 10-year partnership is also an investment in Rwanda’s future. The circuit in Bugesera, alongside the new international airport, will bring jobs, skills, tourism and new business to our country and our region for decades to come, because our aim was never a single race weekend, but a lasting benefit for our people.
“I thank Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 and Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the work that has brought us to this day. We look forward to welcoming the world to Rwanda for the African Grand Prix.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also welcomed the agreement, describing the championship’s return to Africa as a historic moment for motorsport.
“The return of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship to Africa is a historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport.
“Rwanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering a world-class event, and the FIA will work closely with FOM and our partners as this new circuit is developed to the highest international standards.
“This agreement is also about creating a lasting legacy, inspiring new generations, developing talent and opening new opportunities for motorsport across Africa and beyond. Increasing accessibility is at the heart of the FIA’s mission, and we have a responsibility to ensure that our sport continues to grow at every level, reaching new communities and creating opportunities for people in every corner of the world.
“I congratulate President Paul Kagame on this landmark moment for his nation and share my thanks with Stefano Domenicali and all those whose collaboration has made this exciting new chapter possible.”
Formula 1 last raced in Africa at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit in 1993. Rwanda’s entry into the championship will mark the sport’s return to the continent after more than 30 years.
Details of the inaugural race date, construction milestones and the planned race weekend programme are expected to be announced at a later stage.
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