President Paul Kagame has confirmed Rwanda’s ambitious plans to host a Formula 1 race, marking the potential return of the sport to Africa after more than three decades.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa, by hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix,” said Kagame on Friday.
The last F1 race on the continent was the South African Grand Prix held at Kyalami in 1993.
President Kagame shared the announcement during the FIA General Assembly, hosted in Kigali this week for the first time.
The event concludes on Friday with the end-of-season awards, where motorsport champions are honored.
Kagame expressed confidence in the ongoing discussions with F1 leaders, including Stefano Domenicali, who met with representatives of Rwanda’s bid in September.
“A big thank you to Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at Formula 1 for the good progress in our discussions so far,” Kagame said.
“We are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves.”
Rwanda’s proposal includes building a state-of-the-art, permanent racing circuit near the planned Bugesera International Airport, close to Kigali.
The project aligns with the country’s broader vision of promoting tourism and international recognition through sports. Rwanda’s recent high-profile sponsorship of Arsenal FC exemplifies its strategic investment in global sports branding.
F1 Calendar
With the Dutch Grand Prix set to exit the F1 calendar after 2026, a potential slot for Rwanda could emerge as early as 2027.
However, no official timeline has been confirmed. Rwanda is leading Africa’s efforts to bring F1 back, outpacing other interested nations.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari in 2024, expressed his enthusiasm for Rwanda. “Rwanda was one of my favorite places to visit this summer,” Hamilton said, reflecting on his travels across Africa.
If successful, Rwanda’s bid could position the country as a motorsport hub on the continent, bridging the gap between Africa and one of the world’s most prestigious sports.
As discussions progress, Rwanda’s commitment to delivering a world-class racing experience reflects its broader aspirations to become a global player in tourism and sports diplomacy.
The motorsport world now watches with anticipation as Rwanda moves closer to hosting Formula 1 and bringing the thrill of racing back to African soil.
FIA’s Commitment to Africa
The FIA General Assembly in Kigali marked a historic milestone for African motorsport. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised Rwanda’s leadership and emphasized the importance of unity in advancing motorsport globally.
“There is an old African proverb: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” Ben Sulayem said. “By joining forces and showing courage, we can make a real difference in the motorsport and mobility communities worldwide.”
The assembly also showcased key FIA initiatives, including the Global Karting Plan and Vision 2030: FIA Motorsport Strategy, underscoring the organization’s focus on growth and innovation.