Rwanda’s historic return of Formula One to Africa
Formula One is set to make a triumphant return to Africa for the first time since 1993, following a landmark 10-year agreement with Rwanda. Announced by CEO Stefano Domenicali alongside President Paul Kagame, the deal marks a significant milestone in the sport's expansion, ensuring that the championship will be represented on every inhabited continent by the early 2030s. The plan centers on the construction of a state-of-the-art, Grade One circuit in Bugesera, located near the capital, Kigali, which will serve as a hub for both motorsport excellence and regional economic growth.
The decision to host the event in Rwanda highlights the nation's growing ambition as a global sports and tourism destination, building on its successful track record of hosting major events like the UCI Road World Championships and the FIA Awards. While South Africa had also expressed interest in bringing the race back to its historic Kyalami circuit, officials have welcomed Rwanda’s success, noting that the continent is vast enough to potentially host multiple events in the future. For F1, this partnership is not just about the race; it is a long-term commitment to tapping into a rapidly growing fan base of over 100 million people, further solidifying the sport's commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact across Africa.