Rwanda: Kagame Announces 10-Year Formula One Grand Prix Deal

What the report says

Rwanda has announced a 10-year agreement to host a Formula One Grand Prix, a move that would bring the championship back to Africa for the first time since South Africa last held a race in 1993. The announcement was made by President Paul Kagame, according to The New Times, and the inaugural race is expected in the early 2030s. The deal follows years of discussions involving Rwanda, Formula One and motorsport officials about the requirements for staging a race on the continent.

The event is planned for a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, south of Kigali and near the new Kigali International Airport. The track is expected to be built to FIA Grade 1 standards and form part of a larger sports, tourism and commercial development led by the Rwanda Development Board. The venue is also intended to host other motorsport events, conferences and entertainment activities beyond Grand Prix weekends.

Kagame said the project would broaden access to Formula One for African fans and create opportunities for young people and local businesses. He also linked the circuit to wider economic goals, including tourism, investment, employment and regional growth. Formula One and FIA officials, as quoted in the report, said the return to Africa would expand the sport’s reach and help develop talent, while further details on timing and construction are to be announced later.