Rwanda secures 10-year Formula 1 deal to host African Grand Prix from early 2030s

KIGALI, Oct 16 – Formula 1 announced on 13 October a 10-year agreement for Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix, the championship’s first race on the continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 40 km south of Kigali near a new international airport. The race is expected to join the calendar in the early 2030s once the FIA Grade 1 track, designed with input from Alex Wurz and Tilke, is completed.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali called it a landmark that will put the series on every inhabited continent; Rwandan President Paul Kagame described it as belonging to Africa and an investment in jobs, skills and tourism. Coverage and commentary appeared on X from accounts including @NewsCentralTV, @rbarwanda and @NobleF1, with some posts noting regional reactions from neighbouring countries. Reuters reported the announcement the same day.