F1 Returns To Africa: 10-Year Deal With Rwanda, New Circuit Planned For The Early 2030s

Formula 1 is returning to the African continent for the first time since 1993. F1 has announced a landmark 10-year agreement with Rwanda, with the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, set to join the calendar in the early 2030s. The announcement was made on Tuesday 13 October. F1 last raced in Africa at the Kyalami Circuit in South Africa in 1993.

A new circuit in Bugesera

The race will take place at a new, purpose-built circuit in Rwanda’s Bugesera district, about 40 kilometres south of the capital Kigali and adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport. Designed to FIA Grade 1 standards, the track is intended to work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area’s elevation changes to create a unique and challenging racing experience while offering exceptional viewing for fans. Beyond race weekends, the venue is meant to serve as a year-round destination for international motorsport, major events, conferences and entertainment. The project forms part of a wider sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development led by the Rwanda Development Board.

A growing fan base in Africa

According to F1, Africa is one of the sport’s most exciting growth opportunities. More than 100 million fans already follow F1 across the continent, and almost 60% of fans in key Sub-Saharan markets are under 35. Rwanda has also established itself as a host of major events, including the UCI Road World Championships, the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the Basketball Africa League, the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and the FIA Awards Ceremony.

What was said

F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said that with Rwanda on the calendar, the sport will race on every inhabited continent. He said F1 wanted to return the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision, and that it is about much more than hosting a Grand Prix: creating lasting economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development and local business growth.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame said today belongs to Africa. He said the agreement is aimed at delivering jobs, skills, tourism and investment for the country and region for decades, not just a single race weekend, and pointed to the importance of young Africans being able to watch the sport at home and see themselves in it as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and one day drivers.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem called the return a historic moment and said the FIA will work closely with FOM and its partners so that the new circuit is developed to the highest international standards.

The date of the inaugural race, circuit development milestones and race weekend plans will be announced in due course.