Key Highlights:
- Formula 1 has signed a 10-year agreement to stage the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, starting in the early 2030s.
- The landmark deal marks the championship’s first race on the African continent since 1993, fulfilling a long-standing ambition for a global presence across every inhabited continent.
- The event will be hosted at a new FIA Grade 1 purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, Rwanda, situated near the upcoming Kigali International Airport.
Formula 1 Confirms Historic African Grand Prix Return in Rwanda
Formula 1 has finalized a landmark 10-year agreement to bring the FIA Formula 1 World Championship back to the African continent. Under the partnership, the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, will officially join the racing calendar in the early 2030s. The breakthrough deal restores Formula 1 racing to Africa for the first time since 1993, representing the culmination of years of discussions and planning aimed at securing a sustainable, top-tier venue on the continent.
The inaugural event is scheduled to take place once construction concludes on a brand-new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, Rwanda. Designed to meet strict FIA Grade 1 specifications, the circuit forms a central component of an extensive commercial, sports, tourism, and infrastructure initiative spearheaded by the Rwanda Development Board.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, emphasized the global milestone of the announcement:
“Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1. “With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to fans around the globe.
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“Africa has always been part of Formula 1’s future, and from the beginning we were determined to return in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact.
“I would like to thank His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, the Government of Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and everyone whose dedication and collaboration have made this possible.
“This is about much more than hosting a Grand Prix. Together, we can create lasting economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development and local business growth, ensuring the positive impact of this event is felt for generations.
Advertisement“For our fans, this is an especially exciting moment. Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, and that number continues to grow rapidly. We are bringing the excitement, energy and drama of Formula 1 closer to millions of people who have waited a long time to see our sport return to the continent, and we look forward to writing an exciting new chapter together.”
Circuit Details and Long-Term Infrastructure in Bugesera
Positioned roughly 40 kilometres south of the capital city of Kigali, the Bugesera circuit will sit directly adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport. Track architects will integrate the layout into the region’s natural topography, leveraging existing elevation shifts to craft a demanding competition layout while maximizing spectator sightlines. In addition to Grand Prix race weekends, the Bugesera facility is planned as a versatile, year-round destination capable of staging entertainment, major international conferences, and other motorsport categories to encourage steady economic investment across the East African region.
His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, highlighted the multi-generational impact of securing the world championship:
“Today belongs to Africa. For more than three decades, the world’s premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement.
“Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa, many of them young people who deserve to see the sport at home and to see themselves in it: as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and, one day, drivers.
“This 10-year partnership is also an investment in Rwanda’s future. The circuit in Bugesera, alongside the new international airport, will bring jobs, skills, tourism and new business to our country and our region for decades to come, because our aim was never a single race weekend, but a lasting benefit for our people.
“I thank Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 and Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the work that has brought us to this day. We look forward to welcoming the world to Rwanda for the African Grand Prix.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also noted the governing body’s commitment to collaborating closely with organizers:
“The return of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship to Africa is a historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport.
“Rwanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering a world-class event, and the FIA will work closely with FOM and our partners as this new circuit is developed to the highest international standards.
“This agreement is also about creating a lasting legacy, inspiring new generations, developing talent and opening new opportunities for motorsport across Africa and beyond. Increasing accessibility is at the heart of the FIA’s mission, and we have a responsibility to ensure that our sport continues to grow at every level, reaching new communities and creating opportunities for people in every corner of the world.
“I congratulate President Paul Kagame on this landmark moment for his nation and share my thanks with Stefano Domenicali and all those whose collaboration has made this exciting new chapter possible.”
Why This Matters
Africa has represented the missing piece in Formula 1’s modern global footprint. The continent boasts an estimated audience of over 100 million fans, with nearly 60% of followers in key Sub-Saharan African markets falling under the age of 35. Bringing a Grand Prix to Rwanda solidifies F1’s reach across every permanently inhabited continent while connecting with a younger demographic.
For Rwanda, the addition of the African Grand Prix furthers its standing as an emerging host for premier global events. The country has previously welcomed the Basketball Africa League, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the UCI Road World Championships, the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, and the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and FIA Awards Ceremony. Specific dates for the inaugural Grand Prix, timeline milestones for track construction, and event schedules will be shared as development progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last time Formula 1 raced in Africa?
Formula 1 has not competed on the African continent since 1993, making the upcoming Bugesera event the championship’s first race in the region in over three decades.
Where will the Formula 1 African Grand Prix take place?
The race will be held at a newly developed FIA Grade 1 circuit in Bugesera, Rwanda, situated about 40 kilometres south of Kigali and adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport.
When is the inaugural Rwandan Grand Prix expected to run?
The 10-year contract will see the first race take place in the early 2030s, once the construction and certification of the Bugesera circuit are completed.
