Formula 1 announced on Tuesday its return to Africa by signing a ten-year agreement with Rwanda to host a Grand Prix, which is scheduled for the early 2030s. This marks an important step in Formula 1's long-standing goal of holding races on the African continent, as the sport last visited Africa in 1993.
After the completion of a specially built track in Bugesera, Rwanda, the series will begin its races at this venue. Construction is expected to be finished in the beginning of the next decade. This track will be located approximately 40 kilometers south of the capital Kigali and near the new Kigali International Airport.
The venue will be used not only for weekend racing events but also as a year-round destination capable of hosting other motorsport events, as well as major conferences and entertainment programs, which, according to Formula 1, will help stimulate long-term economic growth and investment in the region.
Rwanda has established itself as a leading sporting destination in Africa, hosting events such as the UCI Road World Championships, the ICC Women's Cup, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the Africa Basketball League, the 2024 FIA General Assemblies, and the FIA Awards Ceremony.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, called this a 'milestone' for the sport. He emphasized that including Rwanda in the calendar starting next decade will allow the sport to take place on every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer to fans around the world.
Domenicali noted that Africa has always been part of Formula 1's plans, and they were determined to return properly, with the right partner, long-term commitment, and a clear vision of making a significant impact. He thanked 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 who contributed to this.
According to him, it is about more than just hosting a Grand Prix; together they can create sustainable economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development, and local business growth, ensuring a positive impact from this event for generations to come. He added that this is particularly exciting for fans, as over 100 million Formula 1 fans live in Africa, and he looks forward to writing a new exciting chapter.
Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, called this a turning point for Africa. He stated that for three decades, the world's peaceful motorsport championship had bypassed the continent, and this will change thanks to this agreement. The President is proud that Rwanda is hosting the African Formula 1 Grand Prix and shares this moment with over 100 million fans across Africa, including the youth who deserve to see the sport at home.
Kagame stressed that this ten-year partnership is an investment in Rwanda's future. The track in Bugesera, along with the new international airport, will bring jobs, skills, tourism, and new businesses to the country and region for decades to come, as the goal was not just one race weekend, but lasting benefit for the people. He thanked Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1, and Mohammed Ben Sulayem for their work and expressed hope to welcome the world to Rwanda for the African Grand Prix.
Further details regarding the date of the first race, track development stages, and plans for race weekends will be announced later.