Formula 1 returns to Africa as Rwanda secures 10-year Grand Prix deal

Formula 1 is set to return to Africa for the first time since 1993 after announcing a landmark 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix in Rwanda from the early 2030s.

The race, presented by Visit Rwanda, will take place at a new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40km south of the capital, Kigali.

The announcement marks the end of a decades-long absence from the continent, with Formula 1 last racing in Africa at South Africa’s Kyalami Circuit in 1993.

The new agreement will see Rwanda join the Formula 1 calendar once construction of the circuit is completed, which is expected early in the next decade.

An exact date for the inaugural race has not yet been announced.

Rwanda secures Formula 1’s return to Africa after more than 30 years

Formula 1’s return to Africa has been a long-standing ambition for the championship.

The agreement follows years of collaboration between Formula 1, the Government of Rwanda and the Rwanda Development Board to establish a long-term event.

The deal will run for 10 years, making Rwanda the host of the Formula 1 African Grand Prix.

For the first time since 1993, the championship will once again stage a race on African soil.

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali described the agreement as a historic milestone for the sport.

“Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1. “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.”

New Formula 1 circuit to be built in Bugesera, Rwanda

The African Grand Prix will be hosted at a purpose-built racing circuit in Bugesera, located approximately 40km south of Kigali.

The track will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards, the international standard required for Formula 1 circuits.

It will form part of a broader sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development project led by the Rwanda Development Board.

The circuit will be located adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport.

According to Formula 1, the design will incorporate the area’s natural landscape and elevation changes to create a challenging racing experience.

The layout is also intended to provide viewing opportunities for spectators.

Beyond Formula 1 race weekends, the venue is planned as a year-round destination capable of hosting:

• International motorsport events
• Major sporting and entertainment events
• Conferences
• Commercial activities

The project is intended to support tourism, infrastructure development and long-term investment in the region.

Rwanda Grand Prix expected to begin in the early 2030s

Although Formula 1 has confirmed the 10-year agreement, the first race will depend on the completion of the new Bugesera circuit.

Construction is expected to be completed early in the next decade.

This places the anticipated debut of the Formula 1 African Grand Prix in the early 2030s.

Formula 1 has not yet confirmed an exact race date or detailed race weekend schedule.

Further announcements will provide information about construction milestones, the inaugural Grand Prix and event arrangements.

More than 100 million Formula 1 fans across Africa

Africa represents a significant opportunity for Formula 1 as the championship continues expanding its international audience.

According to Formula 1, more than 100 million fans already follow the sport across the continent.

Almost 60% of fans in key Sub-Saharan African markets are under the age of 35, highlighting the sport’s appeal among younger audiences.

The return of Formula 1 to Africa is intended to strengthen that connection while introducing new opportunities for fans and aspiring motorsport professionals.

Rwanda has also positioned itself as a destination for international sporting events.

The country has hosted major events including the UCI Road World Championships, ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, 2023 FIFA Congress, Basketball Africa League, 2024 FIA General Assemblies and FIA Awards Ceremony.

The African Grand Prix will form part of Rwanda’s wider ambition to develop its international profile in sport, tourism, innovation and business.

President Paul Kagame welcomes Formula 1 to Rwanda

Rwandan President Paul Kagame said the agreement represents an important moment for the country and the African continent.

His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, added: “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 commits to developing motorsport opportunities in Africa

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also welcomed the agreement, describing Formula 1’s return to Africa as an important step in the global development of motorsport.

The FIA will work with Formula One Management and other partners as the new circuit is developed.

The project will focus on meeting international circuit standards while supporting opportunities for motorsport development.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “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.”

What the Rwanda Grand Prix means for African motorsport

The Formula 1 African Grand Prix is intended to deliver benefits extending beyond the race itself.

The project aims to attract investment, support tourism, create business opportunities and develop local skills.

Formula 1, the Rwandan government and the Rwanda Development Board have outlined a shared ambition to establish an event with long-term economic and social benefits.

The new circuit could also provide opportunities for international motorsport and other events outside Formula 1 weekends.

For African Formula 1 fans, the agreement represents the return of the championship to the continent after more than three decades.

The previous African race was held at Kyalami in South Africa in 1993.

While the exact date of Rwanda’s first Grand Prix remains to be confirmed, the 10-year agreement establishes a new chapter for Formula 1 in Africa.

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