Rwanda: Five Key Things to Know About Rwanda's Formula One Grand Prix

What the report says

Rwanda is planning to host a Formula One Grand Prix in the early 2030s under a 10-year agreement, according to The New Times, distributed by AllAfrica. The event would bring Formula One back to Africa for the first time since the South African Grand Prix in 1993 and adds to Rwanda’s efforts to attract major international sports competitions.

The planned circuit is slated for Bugesera District in the Eastern Province, about 40 kilometers south of Kigali and near the new Kigali International Airport. Rwanda’s development board is leading the project, which is being framed as part of a wider mix of sport, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development. The publication said the track is intended to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, the certification required for Formula One races.

The article says the design work involves WurzDesign, led by former Formula One driver Alex Wurz, and Tilke Engineers and Architects. It also notes that the venue is expected to be multi-purpose, with capacity for conferences, other motorsport events and major gatherings beyond race weekends.

The report places the plan alongside Rwanda’s recent hosting of international events such as the FIA Awards Ceremony, the UCI Road World Championships and the FIFA Congress. Formula One has not announced a precise race date or construction schedule yet, but the piece says the championship’s leaders and several drivers have previously voiced support for an African race, citing the region’s fan base and younger audience profile.