“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.

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.

He also called for reforms to the UN and the global financial system, saying developing countries face high borrowing costs, rising debt and limited access to affordable financing.

Ndejembi announced Tanzania's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2029-2030.

Turning to Gaza , he called for the protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian aid while reaffirming Tanzania's support for a two-state solution and Palestinian self-determination.

“The UN must not merely reflect on the balance of power, but serve as a platform for justice , solidarity and progress,” he concluded.

A selection committee from the Babiito royal clan announced on Wednesday that Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma, a UBC news anchor and cousin of the late king, had been chosen as his successor.

The decision was challenged by King Oyo's sister, Princess Ruth Komuntale, who produced what she said was a 2022 will naming "a biological son" of the late king as heir. She did not identify the alleged son, whose existence reportedly came as a surprise to members of the Tooro elite.

The selection committee excluded the alleged son from consideration, while the dispute prompted public debate over the succession.

On Thursday, Queen Mother Best Kemigisa said troops had removed the royal guards without notice and surrounded the palace.

"We cannot leave or receive people freely. We are under house arrest," she said.

Addressing lawmakers after the vote, Ndejembi said his performance should be judged by his service rather than his age. "The weight of this responsibility will not be measured by my youth alone, nor will it be defined by my age," he said.

Ndejembi pledged loyalty to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and said he would work to ensure government spending on development projects translated into services for Tanzanians.

Speaker Zungu said several foreign diplomats had welcomed Ndejembi's appointment. The former energy minister was nominated by President Hassan to replace Emmanuel Nchimbi, whose departure triggered a rapid political transition at the top of government .

South Sudan leads the continent with a staggering 34.4% projected GDP growth, fueled by a rebound in oil production and renewed peace efforts. Years of political instability had suppressed output, but recent developments suggest stabilisation is unlocking long-dormant economic potential. This exceptional rate, however, also reflects a base effect—growth rebounding from a low starting point.

In Senegal, the economy is forecast to grow by 8.6%, driven by its offshore oil and gas sector, set to come online in 2025. The G rand Tortue Ahmeyim gas project is expected to be a game-changer, attracting foreign investment and boosting fiscal revenues. Senegal's diversified strategy—including agriculture, fintech, and infrastructure—is earning global investor confidence.

Uganda comes in third with 7.2% growth, benefitting from infrastructure expansion and anticipated oil production starting in 2025. The AfDB underscores Uganda's investment in energy and transport corridors as key to stimulating trade and productivity.

Rwanda, long considered a reformist beacon, is expected to grow 7.1%, supported by strong tourism recovery, digital innovation policies, and ongoing public investment. Its performance reflects the East African region's broader momentum, which the AfDB forecasts will average 6.1% growth by 2026, with half its economies growing above 5%.

Niger, Togo, and Djibouti all project 6.9% growth, each leveraging different economic strategies:

Ethiopia and Benin are tied at 6.6%, with Ethiopia recovering from internal conflict and doubling down on industrial parks and manufacturing exports. Benin, meanwhile, is reaping benefits from trade liberalisation and regional integration policies.

Côte d'Ivoire rounds out the top 10 at 6.3%, reflecting strong agricultural exports , ongoing infrastructure development, and a stable investment climate.