Rwanda has agreed to host a Formula One Grand Prix from the early 2030s, marking the championship's return to Africa since the 1993 South African race.
President Paul Kagame announced a 10-year agreement for Rwanda to stage the event. Bugesera, situated roughly 40 kilometres south of Kigali in proximity to the new Kigali International Airport, will host a specially constructed racing circuit. The Rwanda Development Board is leading a wider sports, tourism and commercial development project that includes building the circuit to meet FIA Grade 1 standards.
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 One African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa.
The track is designed around Bugesera's natural landscape and elevation changes. It aims to test drivers' skills through demanding racing conditions while giving spectators excellent sightlines. Outside Formula One race weekends, the facility will accommodate other motorsport competitions, conferences, major events and entertainment activities.
Why Africa's absence mattered
The Rwandan deal closes a significant gap in Formula One's global footprint. The 33-year absence from Africa contrasted sharply with the sport's expansion elsewhere, particularly as more than 100 million fans across the continent follow the championship. In key Sub-Saharan African markets, fans under 35 years old make up close to 60 per cent of the audience.
By securing Rwanda as the African entry point, Formula One reaches every inhabited continent and taps a young, growing audience. For Rwanda, hosting the inaugural race positions the nation as a continental sports hub and a destination for international investment and tourism, extending benefits beyond the 10-year F1 agreement to infrastructure, skills and employment.
A continent waiting for its moment
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has long advocated for the sport's return to Africa and reaffirmed his stance on the need for an African Formula One race.
I've always said that we need to have a Grand Prix in Africa. It is, for me, the most important continent, to be honest, and the most beautiful continent
Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive of Formula One, said the addition reflected the sport's long-term vision and described it as a landmark moment. With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, the World Championship will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the sport closer than ever to fans around the globe.
Domenicali added: "Africa has always been part of Formula One's future, and from the beginning we were determined to return in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact."
Economic and sporting benefits for Rwanda
Kagame said the agreement would expand African motorsport fans' access to Formula One and create opportunities for young people to build careers in motorsport and connected industries. He added that the circuit and the new international airport would generate employment, tourism, investment and business growth in Rwanda and the wider region.
The Formula One Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, is expected to boost Rwanda's attractiveness to tourists, investors and international businesses. The project aims to generate employment, build local expertise, strengthen enterprises and draw investment, with Rwanda and Formula One working toward sustained economic and social gains.
Rwanda has expanded its standing as a venue for major international sporting events in recent years. The country has hosted the UCI Road World Championships, the Basketball Africa League, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and the FIA Awards Ceremony.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, said the sport's return to the continent would expand motorsport's reach and nurture emerging talent across Africa.
The return of the FIA Formula One World Championship to Africa is a historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport.
Ben Sulayem said the FIA would collaborate with Formula One and its partners to verify that the new circuit complies with mandatory international standards for safety and technical specifications.
- 1993Last African race
South African Grand Prix takes place.
- Early 2030sCircuit complete
New circuit in Bugesera expected to be ready.
- Early 2030s onwardsF1 returns
Inaugural Formula One Grand Prix held in Rwanda.
The inaugural race date, construction milestones and race-weekend plans will be announced later, along with other further details.
