Formula 1 has officially confirmed its long-awaited return to Africa, announcing a 10-year agreement to stage a Grand Prix in Rwanda from the early 2030s.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in the championship’s global expansion, bringing Formula 1 back to the African continent for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
After years of discussions and speculation surrounding a potential African race, Formula 1 confirmed on Tuesday that Rwanda will host the new African Grand Prix. However, the precise date of the inaugural event remains undecided.
A new circuit near Kigali
The race will take place at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, close to the country’s new international airport.
Initial concept images of the proposed venue have already been released, offering an early glimpse of the project. The circuit and its supporting infrastructure have yet to be constructed, making the development timetable a key factor in determining when the first race can take place.
Formula 1 has therefore confirmed only that the event is expected to join the calendar in the early 2030s.
The championship described the agreement as a historic step towards fulfilling its longstanding ambition of returning to Africa, emphasising the importance of establishing a sustainable, world-class event.
Domenicali welcomes a landmark agreement
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted the global significance of the announcement, noting that Rwanda’s inclusion would extend the championship’s presence to every inhabited continent.
« With the addition of Rwanda, our sport will be present on every inhabited continent on the planet, » Domenicali said.
He stressed that Formula 1 had prioritised finding the right long-term partner rather than rushing its return to Africa.
The 10-year agreement reflects that approach, providing a framework for the development of the new circuit and the establishment of the event.
Rwanda targets long-term economic benefits
Rwandan President Paul Kagame welcomed the announcement as an important moment not only for his country but for motorsport supporters throughout Africa.
« Rwanda is proud to host the African Grand Prix and share this moment with 100 million fans across the continent, » Kagame said.
He also underlined the wider economic ambitions behind the project, pointing to potential employment, tourism and business opportunities associated with the new circuit in Bugesera.
According to Kagame, the objective extends beyond hosting a single race weekend, with the government seeking lasting economic benefits for Rwanda and the surrounding region.
Formula 1 ends a decades-long absence
Africa has been absent from the Formula 1 calendar since 1993, when Alain Prost won the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
Despite repeated discussions about a return, including proposals involving South Africa, the championship had been unable to secure a new African venue.
Rwanda’s agreement now provides a formal commitment to ending that absence.
The announcement also represents a significant development for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has repeatedly advocated for Formula 1 to race in Africa.
While the exact opening date and final circuit design remain to be confirmed, the agreement establishes Rwanda as the championship’s future African destination.
For the first time in more than three decades, Formula 1 has an officially confirmed plan to return to Africa.
