Formula 1 will return to Africa for the first time in nearly four decades after confirming a 10-year agreement for Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s.
The landmark agreement, announced in Kigali on Tuesday, October 13, ends years of uncertainty surrounding Africa’s return to the world’s premier motorsport championship.
The race, officially named the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, will take place at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali.
Rwanda becomes the third African country selected to host a Formula 1 World Championship race, following Morocco in 1958 and South Africa, which last staged the event in 1993.
The announcement was made by Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
New Bugesera circuit to transform Rwanda’s motorsport ambitions
The proposed racing facility will be constructed near Bugesera International Airport, one of Rwanda’s largest ongoing infrastructure developments.
Formula 1 also unveiled the first architectural impression of the circuit, designed to complement the area’s natural landscape and elevation changes.
The track will incorporate challenging corners, climbs and descents, offering drivers a distinctive racing experience within Rwanda’s rolling terrain.
The facility will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards, the highest safety and technical classification required for Formula 1 competition.
However, the championship has not confirmed the circuit’s final length, number of corners or exact construction completion date.
The project forms part of Rwanda’s wider investment strategy, combining sporting infrastructure with tourism, hospitality and international business opportunities.
Kagame celebrates historic African breakthrough
President Kagame described the agreement as a landmark achievement for Rwanda and the African continent after decades without Formula 1 racing.
“Today belongs to Africa,” Kagame said during the announcement, highlighting the significance of bringing the championship back to the continent.
Rwanda formally declared its Formula 1 ambitions in December 2024, when Kagame announced the country’s intention to bid during the FIA General Assembly in Kigali.
The latest agreement represents the culmination of discussions involving the Rwandan government, Formula 1 management and international motorsport authorities.
Domenicali welcomed the development, highlighting Africa’s growing Formula 1 audience, estimated at more than 100 million supporters.
The agreement will also give Formula 1 a presence on every inhabited continent, strengthening its international expansion strategy.
The championship expects the partnership to create opportunities through tourism, employment, investment and technical skills development.
Africa’s long wait ends after South Africa’s 1993 race
Africa last hosted Formula 1 at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, won by French driver Alain Prost.
The continent has since remained absent from the championship despite repeated efforts to revive the South African race.
South Africa’s Kyalami circuit and other proposed venues attracted interest, but negotiations failed to produce a confirmed long-term hosting agreement.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been among the strongest advocates for Formula 1’s return to Africa.
Hamilton has repeatedly questioned the continent’s exclusion from the racing calendar and supported efforts to establish a sustainable African Grand Prix.
Rwanda’s successful bid represents a significant breakthrough, although the inaugural race remains several years away.
What Rwanda’s Formula 1 deal means for East Africa
The agreement further strengthens East Africa’s emergence as a destination for major international sporting competitions.
Rwanda has invested heavily in sports tourism, international conferences and partnerships with prominent sporting organisations to raise its global profile.
Hosting Formula 1 could accelerate hotel development, transport investment and commercial activity around Kigali and the Bugesera district.
Neighbouring Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania could also benefit through regional tourism, hospitality partnerships and increased international travel.
The development comes as Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania prepare to jointly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, Rwanda must first complete the proposed circuit and associated infrastructure before hosting its inaugural Formula 1 race.
Although the 10-year agreement has been signed, organisers have only indicated that racing will begin in the early 2030s.