After more than thirty years away, Formula 1 is set to return to African soil — and Rwanda is the country making it happen. Kigali has secured a ten-year agreement to host the Grand Prix of Africa on a brand-new circuit to be built in Bugesera, roughly 40 kilometres south of the capital. It is a turning point that promises to reshape the country’s global image and open a fresh chapter for motorsport across the continent.
A decade-long commitment that changes the game
On Tuesday, 13 October 2026, Formula 1 confirmed a ten-year deal with the East African nation to stage a Grand Prix in the early 2030s. The announcement, made in Kigali, marks the sport’s long-awaited comeback to Africa, which has been missing from the calendar since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
The agreement was unveiled in the presence of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. For the Rwandan authorities, this is a major milestone in their strategy to boost international standing through hosting world-class sporting events and expanding tourism.
“Today belongs to Africa,” President Kagame declared, welcoming a partnership he described as long overdue. He also voiced hope that the race would pave the way for more competitions on the continent.
Bugesera: a purpose-built stage for speed
The future Grand Prix will take place in Bugesera, a district located about 40 kilometres south of Kigali, close to the new international airport currently under construction. The site will host a circuit designed specifically for Formula 1, meeting the FIA’s technical requirements to handle the world’s fastest single-seaters.
The track is expected to make the most of Rwanda’s natural terrain, known for its rolling hills and dramatic elevation changes. Its design involves Wurz Design, led by former driver Alex Wurz, and Tilke Engineers and Architects, a firm with extensive experience in building international racetracks.
Beyond race weekends, promoters envision the venue as a multi-purpose space capable of hosting other motorsport events, concerts, conferences and international gatherings. The goal is to keep economic activity buzzing year-round, rather than confining the benefits to a few days of competition.
The exact date of the first edition has yet to be confirmed. The launch will depend on construction progress and the completion of necessary infrastructure. The deal is signed, but its realisation will hinge on whether all parties can stick to the project timeline.
Driving tourism and economic growth
For Kigali, bringing Formula 1 to Rwanda is far more than a sporting spectacle. The government hopes to attract new visitors, stimulate investment and create jobs, especially for young people. Hospitality, food services, transport, security, communications and event management could all benefit from the influx of spectators, professionals and commercial partners.
The circuit’s proximity to the future airport should also ease travel for teams, sponsors and international fans. This link between transport infrastructure and sports facilities fits into a broader strategy to position Rwanda as a destination for business and major global events.
The country has already hosted several international gatherings, including the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, as well as football and basketball events. Formula 1 would reinforce this visibility drive, which is also supported by the “Visit Rwanda” tourism brand.
According to Formula 1 data, the championship already enjoys a significant following in Africa, with more than 100 million supporters on the continent. The competition aims to connect with a younger audience that can contribute to its commercial and media growth.
For President Kagame, the challenge is also about turning this spotlight into concrete opportunities for the population: technical training, skills development, entrepreneurship and access to automotive engineering careers. The question will be how far these prospects translate into lasting benefits for local businesses and residents.