Rwanda will bring Formula One back to Africa for the first time since 1993, following a landmark 10-year agreement announced by Formula One, with the inaugural African Grand Prix expected in the early 2030s.
The Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, will be held on a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera District, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali and near the new Kigali International Airport.
The agreement follows years of discussions between Rwanda, Formula One and motorsport authorities on the requirements for returning the FIA Formula One World Championship to the continent.
The last Formula One race held in Africa was the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
Bugesera Circuit to Support Major International Events
The proposed circuit will be developed to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, the highest circuit classification required to host Formula One races. The project forms part of a wider sports, tourism and commercial development led by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Designed to incorporate Bugesera’s natural landscape and elevation changes, the circuit is expected to offer challenging racing conditions for drivers and good viewing opportunities for spectators.
Beyond Formula One race weekends, the facility is expected to host other motorsport competitions, conferences, entertainment activities and major international events.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
The project is expected to contribute to Rwanda’s economic development through job creation, tourism, investment, skills development and business opportunities.
President Paul Kagame said the agreement would give African motorsport fans greater access to Formula One while creating opportunities for young people to build careers in motorsport and related industries.
He also highlighted the potential of the circuit, alongside the new international airport, to stimulate employment, attract investment and support business growth in Rwanda and the wider region.
Formula One’s return is also expected to connect the championship with a growing African audience. More than 100 million fans across the continent follow the sport, while nearly 60 per cent of fans in key Sub-Saharan African markets are below the age of 35.
FIA and Formula One Leaders Welcome Rwanda’s Addition
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), welcomed Formula One’s return to Africa, saying it would expand the reach of motorsport and support talent development across the continent.
He said the FIA would work with Formula One and its partners to ensure that the new circuit meets international safety and technical requirements.
Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive of Formula One, said Rwanda’s addition to the championship calendar would enable the sport to reach every inhabited continent from the next decade.
He also highlighted the partnership’s potential to deliver lasting benefits through tourism, investment, skills development and opportunities for local businesses.
Rwanda Strengthens Its Position as an International Sports Destination
Rwanda has increasingly positioned itself as a destination for major international sporting events. The country has hosted the UCI Road World Championships, the Basketball Africa League, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and the FIA Awards Ceremony.
The Formula One Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, is expected to strengthen these efforts by attracting international visitors, investors and businesses while raising the country’s profile globally.
Beyond hosting the race itself, the project is intended to generate long-term economic and social benefits for Rwanda and the wider region.
Further details, including the inaugural race date, construction milestones and race-weekend arrangements, are expected to be announced at a later stage.
