Rwanda to Host Africa’s First Formula One Grand Prix in the Early 2030s

Rwanda has entered a 10-year agreement with Formula One to stage an “African Grand Prix” on a purpose-built Grade One circuit in Bugesera, about 40 km (25 miles) south of Kigali. The contract specifies that the race will commence in the “early 2030s.” The deal will make Rwanda the third African nation to host a Formula One round, following South Africa’s 1993 event at Kyalami and Morocco’s 1958 Grand Prix.

ReutersESPNFirst Formula 1 race in Africa since 1993 to launch in Rwanda from ‘early 2030s’ The GuardianBBC News

Formula One has not visited the African continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix. The sport’s leadership has framed the Rwanda project as a long-term commitment aimed at expanding the championship’s global footprint and delivering “meaningful impact” through tourism, investment and skills development.

Reuters

• October 13 (scheduled) – Officials are slated to announce the Rwanda-F1 partnership.

ESPN

• Early 2030s – Planned start of the African Grand Prix, contingent on circuit completion.

First Formula 1 race in Africa since 1993 to launch in Rwanda from ‘early 2030s’

• Early next decade – Expected completion of the Bugesera circuit, adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport.

Reuters

• The new circuit will be designed to work with the natural landscape and elevation changes, providing “exceptional viewing opportunities” for spectators.

BBC News

• Formula One estimates that Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula One fans, a figure the sport says is growing rapidly.

The Guardian

• The agreement secures a ten-year tenure for the African Grand Prix on the Formula One calendar.

First Formula 1 race in Africa since 1993 to launch in Rwanda from ‘early 2030s’

Formula One’s chief executive Stefano Domenicali described the partnership as a “landmark moment,” emphasizing that the sport will now race on every inhabited continent. He linked the deal to broader economic and social benefits, citing tourism, job creation and skills transfer. Rwandan President Paul Kagame highlighted the event as a moment that “belongs to Africa,” noting that the race will inspire young people to pursue careers in engineering, technology and motorsport. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Mohammed Ben Sulayem attended the announcement, underscoring the FIA’s support for the Grade One circuit standards.

ESPN

• The exact year within the “early 2030s” when the first race will occur has not been disclosed.

BBC News

• Sources differ on the precise scheduling of the race within the Formula One calendar, with no definitive slot identified.

BBC News

• “Today is a landmark moment for Formula One,” — Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali, said chief executive — Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali, said chief executive

Reuters

• “For more than three decades, the world's premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement,” — Paul Kagame, rwandan president — Paul Kagame, Rwandan president

ESPN

• “Luckily for Antonelli and Mercedes, it's too late - Rwanda F1 race: Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen welcome prospect "I've always said that we need to have a Grand Prix in Africa," Hamilton said.” — Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion — Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion

ESPN

• “For our fans, this is an especially exciting moment. Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula One fans, and that number continues to grow rapidly. We are bringing the excitement, energy and drama of Formula One closer to millions of people who have waited a long time to see our sport return to the continent, and we look forward to writing an exciting new chapter together.” — Speaking — Speaking

The Guardian