Rwanda secures 10-year deal to host Formula One Grand Prix
Rwanda has secured a 10-year agreement to host a Formula One Grand Prix in the early 2030s, marking the championship's planned return to Africa for the first time in nearly four decades.
The agreement was announced in Kigali on Tuesday by President Paul Kagame, alongside Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“It is an honour and privilege for Rwanda to be chosen as the destination in the Formula One calendar,” Kagame said, describing the partnership as an opportunity to develop motorsport across Africa.
Domenicali welcomed the agreement, acknowledging Africa's long absence from the championship despite Formula One's global expansion.
“For many years, we have spoken about our desire to return, but always said we would return in the right way, with the right vision and the right partner. That partner is Rwanda,” he said.
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FIA President Ben Sulayem emphasised the event's significance beyond Rwanda, describing it as a new chapter for African motorsport.
The proposed circuit will be built in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali, near the country's new international airport. An exact date for the inaugural race has yet to be confirmed.
Africa last hosted a Formula One World Championship race in 1993 at South Africa's Kyalami circuit, where Alain Prost secured victory for Williams.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
