Africa: Exclusive - Rwanda Set to Welcome Formula One Back to Africa, 30 Years Later

What the report says

Rwanda is moving toward becoming the first African country in more than 30 years to host a Formula One Grand Prix, according to a report published by The New Times and distributed by AllAfrica. The article says Rwanda has secured a 10-year partnership to stage the race, with the first event expected in the early 2030s. The continent last hosted Formula One in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa, when Alain Prost won his final world championship there.

The government is framing the deal as more than a sporting event. Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire said the project is meant to support investment, tourism, job creation and technical skills development, while also creating opportunities for African talent and businesses. Rwanda Development Board chief executive Jean-Guy Afrika said the country’s recent record of hosting major events, including international sports and political gatherings, helped strengthen its bid.

The report says the Grand Prix will be presented through Visit Rwanda, part of the country’s broader strategy of using sports partnerships to raise its international profile. Rwanda has already used that brand with football clubs and U.S. sports teams. Officials also expect the race to support wider economic plans tied to Bugesera International Airport and an airport city, including hotels, logistics, retail and transport services.

If completed, the agreement would mark a major step in efforts to bring Formula One back to Africa. The article also notes that South Africa and Morocco have previously been linked to similar ambitions.