Formula 1 Confirms Historic 10-Year Deal to Bring African Grand Prix to Rwanda

Posted : 16 October 2026

Formula 1 has confirmed a landmark 10-year agreement with Rwanda to bring the African Grand Prix to the championship calendar in the early 2030s. The deal marks the sport’s return to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix and represents a significant step in Formula 1’s efforts to expand its global audience.

The race, officially named the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, will take place at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of the capital, Kigali. The facility is expected to be developed to meet the FIA’s Grade 1 standards required for hosting Formula 1 races. An exact date for the inaugural event has not yet been announced, as construction and development plans progress.

Rwanda’s agreement with Formula 1 forms part of the country’s broader ambition to become an internationally recognised destination for sports, tourism, innovation and business. The government hopes the event will attract international investment, create employment, develop local expertise and generate economic opportunities beyond race weekends.

Formula 1 says Africa already has more than 100 million fans, with younger audiences representing a significant share of its following in key sub-Saharan markets. The championship believes holding a Grand Prix on the continent will bring the sport closer to existing supporters while encouraging a new generation to engage with motorsport.

Rwanda has also strengthened its reputation as a host of international sporting and business events. The country has staged competitions and gatherings including the UCI Road World Championships, the Basketball Africa League, the 2023 FIFA Congress and the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and Awards Ceremony.

The race is called the African Grand Prix rather than the Rwanda or Kigali Grand Prix because Rwanda wants the event to represent the wider African continent, not just the host country. According to Formula 1’s official explanation, the name reflects an ambition to make the race a gateway for greater African participation in motorsport and potentially pave the way for more Grands Prix across the continent.

Jean-Guy Afrika, chief executive of the Rwanda Development Board, explained that naming it the “Rwanda Grand Prix” or “Kigali Grand Prix” could feel exclusive. Calling it the African Grand Prix, he said, makes it easier to bring other African countries and partners into the project.

The name also carries historical significance. Formula 1 has not raced in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix. Rwanda hopes its agreement can mark not only the championship’s return, but the beginning of a broader motorsport presence across Africa.

President Paul Kagame described the agreement as a historic achievement for both Rwanda and Africa. He said the partnership would give young Africans an opportunity to experience Formula 1 closer to home and potentially pursue careers as drivers, engineers, technicians and entrepreneurs. Kagame also emphasised that the 10-year arrangement represents a long-term investment in Rwanda’s future.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed the agreement, describing Formula 1’s return to Africa as an important moment for international motorsport. He said the FIA would work with Formula 1 and its partners to develop the new circuit to the highest international standards, while creating opportunities to develop talent and encourage wider participation across the continent.

Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali also called the deal a landmark moment, highlighting the championship’s ambition to compete on every inhabited continent. He said the organisation had been working towards an African return with a long-term vision focused on meaningful impact, strong partnerships and sustainable development.

Further announcements about the first race date, construction milestones and race-weekend arrangements are expected as the project develops. For now, the agreement establishes Rwanda as the destination for Formula 1’s long-awaited return to Africa, with organisers aiming to create a lasting legacy for the country and the wider region.

Formula 1 Confirms Historic 10-Year Deal to Bring African Grand Prix to Rwanda

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