F1: Rwanda to host an African Grand Prix from the 2030s
The newsroomUpdated on October 13, 20263 minFormula 1 returns to Africa: a 10-year deal with Rwanda for an African Grand Prix at a new circuit in Bugesera, near Kigali, in the early 2030s.
Key point
F1 signs a 10-year deal with Rwanda: an African Grand Prix at a new circuit in Bugesera in the early 2030s, with no date set yet.
Formula 1 is returning to Africa. The world championship announced on Tuesday a 10-year deal with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix, the first on the continent since 1993. No date has been set: F1 only says the race will join the calendar in the early 2030s, once the circuit is finished.
A new circuit in Bugesera
The race, presented by Visit Rwanda, will be held at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, in the Eastern Province. The site is roughly 40 kilometres south of Kigali, next to the new international airport. It will be built to FIA Grade 1 standards.
According to RaceFans, the layout was designed by Tilke and Wurz Design, but F1 has not published any technical specifications. Outside race weekends, the venue is also meant to host other international competitions, conferences and events. The project is led by the Rwanda Development Board and tied to tourism, infrastructure and commercial development.
Why the announcement matters
F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali calls it a landmark moment: with Rwanda, the championship will race on every inhabited continent. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stresses that the governing body will work with F1 so the circuit is developed to the highest international standards. Rwandan president Paul Kagame confirmed the event will be called the Formula 1 African Grand Prix.
F1 points to its African audience: more than 100 million fans on the continent, and almost 60% of fans in key Sub-Saharan African markets are under 35. Rwanda has already hosted the UCI Road World Championships, the Basketball Africa League, and, in 2024, the FIA General Assemblies and Awards Ceremony.
A long road back after 1993
F1 first raced in Africa in 1958, in Morocco, for the final round of the season. The championship never went back. It found a longer-term home in South Africa, first at East London and then at Kyalami near Johannesburg: the country held 23 grands prix in total. After a seven-year absence, F1 returned to Kyalami for two races, and the last African round dates from 1993. Rwanda has never held a Grand Prix.
What we do not know yet
- The date of the first race.
- The construction timetable for the circuit.
- The technical specifications of the layout.
F1 has promised to share these details later.
The editorial team
Frequently asked questions
When will the first Rwanda Grand Prix take place?
No date has been set. F1 only says the early 2030s, once the new circuit is complete; the date of the first race will be announced later.
Where will the African Grand Prix be held?
At a new circuit in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali, next to the capital's new international airport.
When did F1 last race in Africa?
In 1993, in South Africa. Rwanda has never hosted a round of the world championship.
Sources
- FIA — Formula 1 returns to Africa with 10 year agreement to race in Rwanda
- RaceFans — Formula 1 announces it will race in Rwanda from early 2030s
- Motorsport Week — Landmark 10-year agreement reintroduces Africa to F1
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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