Rwanda has secured a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, with the first race expected to take place in the early 2030s. The deal will bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time since 1993.
President Paul Kagame announced the development on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during an event at BK Arena in Kigali attended by Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali and International Automobile Federation (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
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Kagame Says Rwanda Is Ready to Host F1
President Kagame said Rwanda had been working hard to prepare for the competition and was ready to contribute to the growth of motor racing in Africa.
he said: “Today, I am pleased to officially announce that Rwanda has been working hard to prepare to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix in the early 2030s.”
He added that hosting the competition would change how Africa is perceived in international sport. Kagame said: “Rwanda is excited and eager to play a role in this journey, which will transform how Africa is perceived in the global sports arena.”
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Kagame Calls Grand Prix a Victory for Africa
The President said the agreement should be viewed as an opportunity for the entire African continent, rather than Rwanda alone. He noted that Africa has the potential to contribute significantly to the growth and development of international motor racing.
he said: “This partnership has been long-awaited and represents a victory for the entire African continent. What we need now is for the ‘African Grand Prix’ to pave the way for other competitions to be held on the continent.”
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Formula 1 to Return to Africa After 33 Years
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali described the announcement as the beginning of a new chapter in the sport’s history. He said Formula 1 had established a presence in different parts of the world but had long sought to return to Africa with the right partner and a sustainable plan.
Domenicali said: “Africa is a continent rich in history, culture, innovation, talent, and vast opportunity. It is a continent defined by strength, resilience in the face of challenges, and limitless potential for continued progress.”
He added that the championship had spent years discussing a return to Africa before reaching an agreement with Rwanda. he said: “For years, we have spoken of our desire to return to Africa, but we always emphasized the need to do so the right way with the right vision and the right partner. That partner is Rwanda.”
The last Formula 1 race held in Africa was the South African Grand Prix in 1993. Rwanda’s entry onto the calendar will therefore mark the championship’s return to the continent after more than three decades.
New Racing Circuit Planned for Bugesera
The African Grand Prix will be held on a purpose-built racing circuit planned for Bugesera District, south of Kigali.
The circuit must be completed to the required international standards before the first race can take place. The project forms part of Rwanda’s broader plans to develop sports, tourism and related commercial activities.
The exact date of the inaugural race and further details about construction milestones and the race weekend have not yet been announced.
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Rwanda Targets Sports and Tourism Opportunities
Hosting Formula 1 is expected to provide Rwanda with opportunities to promote tourism, attract investment and create business opportunities linked to international sporting events.
The 10-year agreement also offers a platform to develop motor racing in Rwanda and across Africa, including opportunities for young people to gain skills and participate in the sport.
The return of Formula 1 to Africa will mark a significant milestone for the continent, with Rwanda preparing to host the championship through a long-term agreement that places Bugesera at the centre of the project.
