Formula 1 will return to Africa after 37 years as Rwanda signs a ten-year contract to host the Grand Prix

F1 last raced in Africa at the Kyalami circuit in 1993 (Image: F1) Formula 1 is set to make a historic return to Africa for the first time since 1993, with Rwanda securing a 10-year deal to host the Grand Prix since the early 1930s. The announcement, made by F1 on Tuesday, marks a significant step towards fulfilling the championship’s long-standing ambition to bring the sport back to the continent.

Rwanda to build purpose-built F1 circuit in Bugesera

Once construction is complete, the race will be held on a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, south of the Rwandan capital, Kigali. The venue is expected to become a major motoring and entertainment destination, while the return of F1 will bring the world championship to Africa after more than three decades.The last Formula 1 race on the continent was the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993. Adding Rwanda to the calendar would also mean that F1 would go across every inhabited continent.The proposed circuit will be located approximately 40 kilometers south of Kigali, adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport. Construction is expected to be completed in the early 1930s.As well as hosting Formula 1 race weekends, the facility is planned to be a year-round destination for motoring events, large gatherings, conferences and entertainment. According to F1, the project is intended to support long-term economic growth and investment across Rwanda and the wider region.

Stefano Domenicali calls the Rwanda deal a landmark

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali described the deal as a landmark moment and underlined the sport’s commitment to return to Africa through a long-term partnership.“Today is a milestone for Formula 1. With Rwanda joining the calendar from next decade, our sport will compete on every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer to fans around the world than ever before,” Domenicali said.He added that Africa has always been part of the future of Formula 1 and that the championship wants to return with the right partner, long-term commitment and a clear vision to create a meaningful impact. Domenicali thanked Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the Rwandan government, the Rwanda Development Board, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayema ​​and others who were involved in securing the deal.

Paul Kagame celebrates Africa’s historic moment

Rwandan President Paul Kagame welcomed the deal, calling it a significant moment for the continent after more than three decades without a Formula 1 race.“Today belongs to Africa. For more than three decades, the first motorsport world championship was contested without this continent and that changes with this agreement,” Kagame said.He added that Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix and share this opportunity with fans across the continent, especially young people who could aspire to careers as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and drivers.“Our goal has never been a single race weekend, but a lasting benefit to our people,” he said, referring to the planned circuit and its proximity to the new international airport.The Rwandan president thanked Domenicali, Formula 1 and Ben Sulayema ​​for their role in making the deal happen, adding that the country looks forward to welcoming the world to the African Grand Prix.

Details of the opening race are awaited

While the 10-year deal sets the framework for Formula 1’s return to Africa, the exact date of the inaugural Rwanda Grand Prix remains unconfirmed. Further announcements regarding circuit development milestones, race schedule and event plans are expected in due course.