The governments of Rwanda and Formula 1 have finalized a landmark 10-year agreement to establish a new African Grand Prix in the capital city of Kigali, with the inaugural race projected for no earlier than 2030.
The championship will take place on a newly constructed natural road course located approximately 40 kilometers south of Kigali, adjacent to the Rwandan capital’s soon-to-be-completed Bugesera international airport. The maiden edition of what will officially be known as the “Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda,” is anticipated no sooner than 2030, pending completion of the circuit’s construction.
This agreement marks a significant milestone, representing Formula 1’s return to the African continent for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
The announcement took place on Tuesday during a press conference in Kigali, attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Formula 1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The Bugesera circuit, designed by former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz and his design firm, aims to leverage Kigali’s rolling terrain to craft a technically demanding layout. The project forms part of a broader investment strategy by the Rwandan Development Board focused on tourism, infrastructure, and commercial expansion.
“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,” stated President Kagame. “Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with over 100 million fans across Africa, many of whom are young people who deserve to see the sport at home and to see themselves reflected in it — as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and eventually drivers.”
“This ten-year partnership also represents an investment in Rwanda’s future. The circuit in Bugesera, alongside the new international airport, will generate employment, transfer skills, boost tourism, and stimulate new business ventures across our country and region for generations to come, because our objective was never merely a single race weekend, but enduring value for our people.”
Photo by: FIA
Domenicali emphasized the historic nature of the deal. “Today marks a defining moment for Formula 1. With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will compete on every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to fans worldwide. Africa has always formed part of Formula 1’s future, and from the outset, we were committed to returning in a manner that reflects integrity — partnering with the right stakeholders, securing a long-term commitment, and maintaining a clear vision for creating meaningful impact.”
“This transcends the simple hosting of a Grand Prix. Together, we can foster lasting economic and social development through tourism, investment, skills training, and local enterprise growth, ensuring the positive influence of this event resonates for generations. For our supporters, this is an especially thrilling chapter. Africa is home to over 100 million Formula 1 enthusiasts, and that figure continues to rise swiftly.”
FIA President Ben Sulayem echoed these sentiments: “The return of the FIA Formula One World Championship to Africa constitutes a historic milestone for motorsport and underscores the continued global expansion of our discipline. Rwanda’s dedication to delivering a world-class event is evident, and the FIA looks forward to collaborating closely with FOM and our partners as this new venue meets the highest international standards.”
Negotiations between Formula 1 and Rwanda intensified throughout 2024, driven by the Central African nation’s ambition to attract major international sporting events to elevate tourism and commerce. Kigali previously hosted the UCI Road World Championships last year, and in 2024, it welcomed the FIA’s annual Prize Giving Ceremony, where Max Verstappen joined fellow champions to receive his fourth Formula 1 world title trophy.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has long advocated for Formula 1’s return to the African continent. Earlier this year, he remarked, “For the past six years, I’ve worked quietly behind the scenes to bring a Grand Prix to fruition. I’ve spoken directly with stakeholders, asking: why aren’t we racing in Africa? We’re present on every other continent — why not here? I know they’re genuinely striving to make it happen.”
“Among the locations I’ve particularly admired are Kenya and Rwanda, which I found truly breathtaking — two destinations where I could envision residing. South Africa, too, holds promise. These are all compelling candidates for potential future events.”
