Rwanda has secured a 10-year agreement to host Formula One races, bringing the championship back to Africa for the first time in more than three decades.
The Rwanda Formula One Grand Prix is expected to begin in the early 2030s. Organisers plan to build a new racing circuit near Kigali, the country’s capital.
President Paul Kagame announced the agreement on Tuesday, October 13, during a ceremony attended by Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
According to Al Jazeera, the agreement marks a major step towards returning Formula One to Africa, which last hosted a championship race in 1993.
Rwanda Formula One Grand Prix planned near Kigali
Rwanda plans to build a purpose-designed Formula One circuit near Bugesera International Airport.
The site is approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali.
The circuit will stretch more than six kilometres and feature 17 corners. Drivers will race in an anti-clockwise direction.
In addition, the track will follow the area’s natural landscape, with an elevation change of 197 metres per lap.
Former Austrian racing driver Alex Wurz’s circuit design company will oversee the track’s design.
The project aims to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, which are required for Formula One racing.
Organisers also expect the venue to host other motorsport competitions and major events.
However, construction and preparations must progress before Rwanda can hold its first Grand Prix.
Rwanda signs 10-year Formula One agreement
The agreement gives Rwanda the opportunity to host Formula One races over a 10-year period.
During the announcement, Kagame described the development as an important milestone for African sport.
He said Rwanda had worked for years to bring Formula One to the continent.
The president also expressed hope that the event would change how international audiences view Africa’s sporting potential.
Meanwhile, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed the announcement.
He described Formula One’s planned return to Africa as an important moment for international motorsport.
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali also highlighted the continent’s importance to the championship’s global expansion.
The announcement follows Rwanda’s earlier efforts to secure hosting rights.
In December 2024, Kagame publicly announced the country’s ambition to host a Grand Prix during an FIA gathering in Kigali.
Formula One returns to Africa after decades
Africa last hosted a Formula One World Championship race in 1993.
That event took place at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa.
Since then, the championship has expanded into several international markets without returning to the African continent.
Rwanda’s agreement could end that absence.
The planned race would also make Rwanda an important destination on the international motorsport calendar.
Furthermore, hosting Formula One could create opportunities for tourism, hospitality and related businesses.
However, the full economic impact will depend on construction costs, visitor numbers and long-term event planning.
Lewis Hamilton supports African Grand Prix
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly called for the championship to return to Africa.
The British driver has argued that the continent deserves a place on the racing calendar.
Speaking ahead of the announcement, Hamilton said he had encouraged Formula One officials to explore opportunities across Africa.
He also praised Domenicali’s efforts to discuss potential hosting arrangements with African partners.
Hamilton has previously described Africa as an important missing destination for Formula One.
Meanwhile, reigning world champion Max Verstappen also welcomed the possibility of racing in Rwanda.
Verstappen said he hoped the project would move forward successfully.
Both drivers have expressed support for expanding Formula One’s presence on the continent.
Could Rwanda benefit from hosting Formula One?
The Rwanda Formula One Grand Prix could bring international attention to Kigali and surrounding areas.
Major sporting events often attract visitors, broadcasters, sponsors and businesses.
As a result, the race could create opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport companies and tourism operators.
The planned circuit could also support motorsport development in East Africa.
In addition, hosting other competitions could help the venue remain active outside Formula One weekends.
Nevertheless, the project’s economic benefits are not guaranteed.
They will depend on infrastructure investment, operating costs and the country’s ability to attract visitors over time.
When will Rwanda host its first F1 race?
Rwanda’s first Formula One Grand Prix is projected for the early 2030s.
However, organisers have not announced an exact race date.
The new circuit must also be completed and meet the necessary international racing standards.
For now, the 10-year hosting agreement represents a significant step towards Formula One’s return to Africa.
If preparations proceed as planned, Rwanda could become the first African country to host a Formula One World Championship race since South Africa in 1993.
The development would mark a new chapter for motorsport on the continent.