KIGALI – In a historic move for motorsport in Africa, Rwanda has announced that it will host a Formula 1 race from the early 2030s, marking the series’ return to the continent after an absence of nearly 40 years. This significant development was revealed by F1 on Tuesday, with plans for the African Grand Prix to be held at a purpose-built track located in Bugesera, southeast of the capital, Kigali.
The contract for the event will span 10 years, and the circuit is expected to be ready early in the next decade. Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative during the launch event, stating, “This partnership is long overdue. But it is a success and a milestone for the entire continent, especially for the African fans. Ultimately, what we want is for the African Grand Prix to pave the way for other races to be hosted on the continent.”
The revival of racing in Africa has been a long-held ambition for prominent drivers, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has actively advocated for a race on the continent. Hamilton, the only Black driver in F1, has been vocal about his desire to see African representation in the sport.
The last Formula 1 event held in Africa took place during the South African Grand Prix in 1993. F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali commented on the significance of this new development, stating, “Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1. With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the world championship closer than ever to fans around the globe.”
The Bugesera circuit aims to be a challenging course that integrates the natural landscape, utilizing the region’s hills and dips to create an exciting racing experience. Kagame highlighted the potential economic benefits of hosting the Grand Prix, including the development of sports infrastructure and tourism, as well as diversifying the country’s revenue streams.
Local residents have expressed optimism about the opportunities the race could bring. Betty Mukamurenzi, a university IT student in Kigali, remarked, “Look, our country will be watched on the global stage. And this comes with investments and creations of jobs, especially for the youth.” Businessman James Ruzindana added that local businesses will need to elevate their offerings to meet the expectations of international visitors.
However, the decision to host an F1 race in Rwanda may invite scrutiny regarding the country’s human rights record. Under Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has sponsored various international sports teams and events, including major European soccer clubs and the world cycling championships, as part of a strategy to enhance its global image. Critics have raised concerns about “sportswashing”—using sports to distract from human rights issues.
The announcement also highlights Rwanda as the first confirmed new host nation for F1 since Qatar and Saudi Arabia joined the calendar in 2021. The decision to choose Rwanda over rival projects in South Africa and Morocco has generated discussions about the future of F1 in Africa. South African officials have expressed their hopes to also host F1 races in the future, indicating a competitive landscape for motorsport on the continent.
Historically, F1 races in Africa have been marred by the apartheid policies in South Africa, which led to significant criticism and boycotts during the 1970s and 1980s. The last F1 events in South Africa occurred in the early 1990s, coinciding with the country’s transition to democracy.
As Rwanda prepares to make its mark on the global motorsport stage, the implications of hosting such a prestigious event extend beyond racing, potentially impacting the country’s economy, international relations, and its ongoing narrative in the realm of human rights.
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