Kigali, 13 October (H.S.): Formula One has signed a historic 10-year agreement with Rwanda to bring the sport back to Africa. Under the agreement, the Formula One African Grand Prix is expected to join the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar in the early 2030s. The race would mark Formula One’s return to the African continent for the first time since 1993.

The agreement is being viewed as a significant milestone in Formula One’s global expansion. Plans to bring the championship back to Africa have been under consideration for several years. Organisers aim to establish a world-class racing event backed by high-quality facilities, strong partnerships and long-term development, ensuring that the benefits extend to future generations.

The inaugural race is proposed to take place after the completion of a new circuit in Bugesera, Rwanda. The circuit is expected to be ready by the beginning of the next decade and will be developed in accordance with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Grade 1 standards. The project is part of a broader strategy led by the Rwanda Development Board to promote sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development.

## Circuit to Be Built Near Kigali International Airport

The proposed circuit will be located approximately 40 kilometres south of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, near the new Kigali International Airport. Designed to complement the area’s natural terrain and elevation changes, the circuit is expected to offer a challenging racing experience while providing an engaging spectacle for spectators.

The venue is not intended to operate exclusively during the Grand Prix weekend. Plans are in place to develop the complex into a year-round destination for international motorsport competitions, major events, conferences and entertainment programmes. The project is expected to attract investment, generate employment and stimulate economic growth in the region.

## More Than 100 Million Formula One Fans in Africa

According to Formula One, the sport has more than 100 million fans across Africa. In key markets across sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 60 per cent of fans are under the age of 35. This makes the continent an important region for the championship’s future expansion.

Rwanda has previously hosted several major international events, including the UCI Road World Championships, the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the Basketball Africa League, and the FIA Annual General Assemblies and Awards Ceremony in 2024.

The Rwandan government expects the Formula One African Grand Prix to enhance the country’s international profile and create new opportunities in sports, tourism, innovation and business. The project also aims to boost tourism, attract investment, nurture local talent and generate employment opportunities for communities and businesses.

## ‘This Is Africa’s Moment’: Paul Kagame

Rwandan President Paul Kagame described the agreement as a historic moment for the entire African continent.

“Today is Africa’s moment. For more than three decades, the world’s premier motorsport championship has gone without a race on this continent, and that is now set to change. Rwanda is proud to host the Formula One African Grand Prix and share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa,” he said.

Kagame noted that a significant proportion of these fans are young people who deserve the opportunity to experience the sport in their own country and pursue careers as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and, eventually, racing drivers.

According to Kagame, the 10-year partnership also represents an investment in Rwanda’s future. The new circuit in Bugesera, alongside the new international airport, is expected to create employment, develop skills and generate opportunities in tourism and business for decades to come.

He emphasised that the government’s objective was not merely to host a single race weekend but to ensure that the project delivers lasting benefits for the people of Rwanda.

## A Major Step Towards Expanding Motorsport’s Global Reach

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described Formula One’s return to Africa as a historic development and an important step towards expanding the global reach of motorsport.

“Rwanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to hosting world-class events. Working alongside Formula One Management and its partners, the FIA will help ensure that the new circuit is developed in accordance with the highest international standards,” he said.

Ben Sulayem added that the agreement was intended to create a lasting legacy, inspire the next generation, develop talent and open up new opportunities in motorsport across Africa and other parts of the world.

## ‘Formula One Will Race on Every Inhabited Continent’: Stefano Domenicali

Formula One President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali said that Rwanda’s inclusion would enable the championship to race on every inhabited continent during the next decade, bringing the sport closer to fans around the world.

“Africa has always been part of Formula One’s future. From the very beginning, our objective has been to return in the right way, with the right partners, a long-term commitment and a clear vision. This is about much more than hosting a Grand Prix. Through tourism, investment, skills development and the growth of local businesses, we can generate lasting economic and social benefits,” he said.

Formula One and the Rwandan government stated that further details regarding the inaugural race date, the next stages of circuit construction and plans for the race weekend would be announced at a later stage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar