Rwanda: Formula One Confirms Africa Grand Prix for Rwanda

What the report says

Rwanda has reached a 10-year agreement with Formula One to stage an African Grand Prix in the early 2030s, according to reporting distributed by AllAfrica from Nile Post. Formula One said the race, to be branded the Formula One African Grand Prix and presented by Visit Rwanda, will be held on a purpose-built circuit planned for Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali. The first event is expected only after the track is completed, and organizers have not yet released a debut race date or construction timetable.

The deal is a major step in Rwanda’s effort to attract international sport, tourism and investment. The planned circuit is intended to meet FIA Grade 1 standards and is part of a broader development project led by the Rwanda Development Board. In addition to Formula One, the venue is expected to host other motorsport events, conferences and entertainment activities throughout the year. The location near the new Kigali International Airport is also meant to support wider infrastructure and commercial growth.

If completed, the race would return Formula One to Africa for the first time since South Africa’s Kyalami circuit hosted a championship round in 1993. Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali has previously described Rwanda’s bid as serious, while President Paul Kagame welcomed the agreement as an investment in jobs, skills, tourism and business. More broadly, the move reflects Rwanda’s recent push to host major international events, including the FIA General Assemblies, the Basketball Africa League, the FIFA Congress and the UCI Road World Championships.