Today Belongs To Africa — Rwanda Wins Formula One Grand Prix Hosting Deal

Rwanda is set to bring Formula One racing back to Africa after more than three decades, following a 10-year agreement with the championship to host a Grand Prix at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera.

Formula One confirmed the agreement on Tuesday, October 13, stating that the race is expected to take place in the early 2030s, subject to the completion of the planned circuit and associated facilities.

The development marks a major step towards ending Africa’s long absence from the Formula One calendar. The continent last hosted a race at the 1993 South African Grand Prix, which was won by French driver Alain Prost.

Several attempts to return Formula One to Africa have been made over the years, but none has resulted in a confirmed race until the latest agreement with Rwanda.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame first announced his country’s ambition to host a Grand Prix in December 2024 during a meeting involving the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of motorsport.

Kagame welcomed the agreement, describing it as a significant moment for Africa and expressing optimism that it would create opportunities for motorsport fans across the continent.

He said the deal would help end Africa’s more than 30-year absence from the championship and could encourage further investment in motorsport across the region.

Formula One president Stefano Domenicali also welcomed the development, describing it as a landmark moment for the championship. He said Rwanda’s inclusion would enable Formula One to race on every inhabited continent from the next decade, expanding its global reach.

Rwanda has increasingly invested in international sporting partnerships as part of efforts to attract tourists, encourage investment and strengthen its international profile. The country has sponsorship agreements with football clubs, including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, and has partnered with the NBA to support basketball development in Africa. It also hosted the cycling world championships in 2025.

However, the government’s use of major sporting events to promote the country has attracted criticism from those who argue that such initiatives risk diverting attention from allegations of human rights abuses and restrictions on political opposition.

Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is also expected to welcome the prospect of racing in Africa. The British driver has repeatedly called for the championship to return to the continent and publicly supported Rwanda’s bid in 2024.

Meanwhile, South Africa continues to pursue its own return to the Formula One calendar. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie recently argued that the country should remain in contention, maintaining that Africa’s 55 nations should have the opportunity to host more than one race.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Rwanda’s agreement represents a major milestone in Formula One’s expansion plans, although the proposed Grand Prix will depend on the completion of the circuit and the fulfilment of the necessary hosting requirements.