• MOTORSPORTS

• Frank Rotich 11 days ago

Rwanda basks in glory of securing 10-year deal to bring Formula 1 back to Africa

Rwanda is set to put Africa back on the Formula 1 map, with a ten-year agreement paving the way for the continent to host the world’s premier motor racing championship for the first time in more than three decades.

The Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, is expected to join the racing calendar in the early 2030s, ending Africa’s absence from the championship since the last race was held at South Africa’s Kyalami Circuit in 1993.

The inaugural race will take place at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of the Rwandan capital, Kigali, and next to the country’s new international airport.

The circuit will be developed to meet the FIA’s Grade One standards, with its design expected to incorporate the area’s natural landscape and elevation changes to create a challenging racing experience.

Beyond the competition, Rwanda is positioning the project as a long-term investment in tourism, infrastructure and economic development.

The venue is expected to host other international motorsport events, conferences and entertainment activities throughout the year, creating opportunities for local businesses and workers.

Formula 1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali says the agreement reflects the sport’s ambition to reach new audiences while ensuring its return to Africa delivers lasting benefits.

Africa already has more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, with young people accounting for a significant proportion of the sport’s following in key sub-Saharan African markets.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame says the agreement will give African fans an opportunity to experience the championship on their own continent while opening pathways for young people to pursue careers in engineering, technical operations, business and professional racing.

Kagame adds that the ten-year partnership is intended to deliver benefits beyond race weekends through employment, skills development, tourism and investment.

The International Automobile Federation, FIA, will work with Formula 1 and its partners to ensure the new circuit meets international safety and operational requirements.

Rwanda has increasingly attracted major international sporting events, including the UCI Road World Championships, the Basketball Africa League and the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and Awards Ceremony.

However, the success of the Formula 1 project will depend on completing the circuit and supporting infrastructure before the championship makes its anticipated return.

Further details, including the inaugural race date and construction milestones, are expected to be announced later.

The agreement marks a major step in Formula 1’s expansion across the globe and could create new opportunities for African motorsport, businesses and emerging talent.

For African fans, the prospect of seeing the world’s fastest racing machines compete on home soil offers a long-awaited return to the global motorsport spotlight.