For the first time in more than thirty years, Formula 1 is set to race on African soil — and Rwanda is the country that made it happen. A ten-year agreement has been secured to host a Grand Prix on a brand-new circuit in Bugesera, just outside Kigali. It is a decisive leap that could reshape both the sport and the nation’s global standing.
A landmark agreement that ends a three-decade wait
Rwanda is stepping into a new era of international motorsport. On Tuesday, 13 October 2026, Formula 1 confirmed a ten-year deal with the East African nation to stage a Grand Prix in the early 2030s. The announcement signals the return of the championship to Africa, which has been absent from the calendar since the South African Grand Prix in 1993.
The agreement was unveiled in Kigali in the presence of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. For the Rwandan authorities, the deal represents a major milestone in their strategy to project the country globally through major sporting events and tourism.
“Today belongs to Africa,” President Kagame said, welcoming a partnership he described as long overdue. He also expressed hope that the race would pave the way for further events across the continent.
Bugesera: the next frontier for speed
The future Grand Prix will take place in Bugesera, a locality about 40 kilometres south of Kigali, close to the new international airport under construction. The site will host a circuit designed specifically for Formula 1, meeting FIA technical standards to accommodate the world’s fastest single-seaters.
The track is expected to make the most of Rwanda’s natural terrain, known for its rolling hills and elevation changes. The design brings together Wurz Design, led by former driver Alex Wurz, and Tilke Engineers and Architects, a firm with extensive experience in international circuit construction.
Beyond the race itself, promoters envision the site as a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting other motorsport competitions, concerts, conferences and international events. The goal is to sustain economic activity year-round rather than limiting the benefits to a few days of racing.
However, the exact date of the first edition has not yet been set. The launch will depend on construction progress and the completion of necessary infrastructure. The agreement is in place, but its realisation will rely on the ability of all parties to meet the project’s milestones.
Driving tourism and economic growth
For Kigali, the arrival of Formula 1 is far more than a sporting event. The government hopes to attract new visitors, stimulate investment and create jobs, particularly for young people. Hospitality, catering, transport, security, communications and event services are all expected to benefit from the influx of spectators, professionals and commercial partners.
The proximity of the future circuit to the airport should also ease travel for teams, sponsors and international fans. This link between transport infrastructure and sports facilities forms part of a broader strategy to position Rwanda as a destination for business and major global gatherings.
The country has already hosted several international events, including the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, as well as football and basketball tournaments. Formula 1 would reinforce this visibility policy, which is also supported by the “Visit Rwanda” tourism brand.
According to Formula 1 data, the championship already enjoys a significant following in Africa, with more than 100 million supporters across the continent. The competition aims to connect with a young audience that could drive its commercial and media growth.
For President Kagame, the challenge is also to turn this visibility into tangible opportunities for the population: technical training, skills development, entrepreneurship and access to automotive engineering careers. The question will be how far these prospects translate into lasting benefits for local businesses and residents.
