KIGALI – It is official. Formula 1 is coming to Africa, and it is coming to Rwanda.
The International Automobile Federation, FIA, and Formula 1 have confirmed that Rwanda will host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s on a landmark 10-year agreement, marking the return of the sport to Africa for the first time since 1993.
The race, to be known as the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, will be held at a brand new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 40km south of Kigali and adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport.
The deal is for ten years and the circuit will be built to FIA Grade 1 standards. dbbd
President Paul Kagame said:
“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.”
“This ten-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.” dbbd
This will be the first F1 race in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. Rwanda becomes only the third African country to host F1 after Morocco and South Africa.
The project is part of a wider sports, tourism and infrastructure development led by the Rwanda Development Board. The new track is being designed to “work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area’s elevation changes” and will serve as a year-round destination for motorsport and entertainment.
For President Kagame, who hosted the FIA General Assembly and Prize Giving in Kigali in 2024, this is the culmination of years of lobbying.
The race is expected to debut in 2030, when 7-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who has long campaigned for an African race, will be 45 years old.
FACTS: Event: Africa Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda Location: Bugesera, 40km from Kigali Deal: 10-year agreement Start Date: Early 2030s (expected 2030) Status: First F1 race in Africa since 1993
