Formula 1 Signs 10-Year Deal to Bring African Grand Prix to Rwanda

Formula 1 will race on the African continent for the first time in nearly four decades after securing a 10-year agreement with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix starting in the early 2030s.

The event, presented by Visit Rwanda, will take place on a new, purpose-built FIA Grade 1 circuit located in Bugesera, roughly 40 kilometers south of the capital city Kigali and adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport. Designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz alongside track architecture firm Tilke and DAR, the fast, flowing layout will incorporate the area's natural elevation changes while serving as a year-round venue for entertainment, business, and motorsport.

The agreement marks F1's return to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali hailed the announcement as a historic milestone for the World Championship:

"Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1. 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."

A Long-Awaited Return 

The addition of an African event follows years of vocal advocacy from seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who previously described Africa as the "most important" and "most beautiful continent" lacking a spot on the racing schedule.

Rwanda President Paul Kagame formally announced the agreement during a ceremony in Kigali, emphasizing the broader economic and social opportunities for the region:

"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 added that increasing global accessibility sits at the heart of motorsport's governing body:

"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."

Commercial Expansion and Human Rights Scrutiny

The long-term deal is part of a broader effort led by the Rwanda Development Board to position the nation as an international hub for sports and business. Rwanda has recently hosted several major global gatherings, including the UCI Road World Championships, the 2023 FIFA Congress, and the Basketball Africa League.

However, the partnership is expected to face scrutiny from human rights organizations and political observers who have previously accused the Rwandan government of "sportswashing" through sponsorship deals with European football clubs like Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal. Additionally, neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo has filed proceedings against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice alleging international treaty violations and support for regional armed groups.

Addressing potential concerns, an F1 spokesperson stated:

"We have the opportunity to inspire and bring the passion of F1 to 100 million people across Africa and sport can be a positive force for good."

With F1 committed to capping its annual calendar at 24 races, the entry of Rwanda in the early 2030s will likely coincide with rotation or expiration among existing grand prix contracts. Further details regarding circuit construction milestones and official race dates will be released as development progresses.