Rwanda has signed a 10-year agreement to host a Formula One Grand Prix in the early 2030s, paving the way for the championship’s return to Africa after nearly 40 years.
President Paul Kagame announced the agreement in Kigali on Tuesday alongside Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
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“It is an honour and privilege for Rwanda to be chosen as the destination in the Formula One calendar,” Kagame said, describing the partnership as an opportunity to develop motorsport across Africa.
Domenicali welcomed the agreement, acknowledging Africa’s long absence from the championship despite Formula One’s global expansion.
“For many years, we have spoken about our desire to return, but always said we would return in the right way, with the right vision and the right partner. That partner is Rwanda,” he said.
FIA President Ben Sulayem emphasised the event’s significance beyond Rwanda, describing it as a new chapter for African motorsport.
The proposed circuit will be built in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali, near the country’s new international airport. An exact date for the inaugural race has yet to be confirmed.
Africa last hosted a Formula One World Championship race in 1993 at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit, where Alain Prost secured victory for Williams.
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