The agreement was announced in Kigali on October 13, 2026, by President Paul Kagame, Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali, and Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The race will be known as the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda. It will take place at a purpose-built circuit planned for Bugesera District, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali and near the new Kigali International Airport.
The circuit will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards as part of a wider sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development project led by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Speaking at the announcement, Kagame said the agreement represented a milestone for Rwanda and the continent, adding that the race should pave the way for other African countries to host Formula 1 events.
“For decades, African athletes have been a pillar of the global sports economy, adding significant commercial value to top leagues, with the continent receiving almost nothing in return,” he said.
Kagame said partnerships with global sports organisations could help change that dynamic by creating economic opportunities in tourism, hospitality and entertainment.
“This is not just about building venues; it is about creating a sustainable economic model where different revenue streams across hospitality, tourism, and entertainment are generated and anchored into local communities,” he said.
Formula 1 targets lasting economic impact
Domenicali described the announcement as a historic moment for the sport and the continent, saying Rwanda had become the partner Formula 1 sought for its return to Africa.
“For many years, we have spoken about our desire to return, but always said we would return in the right way, with the right vision and the right partners. That partner is Rwanda,” he said.
Domenicali said Africa was home to more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, adding that the race would bring the championship closer to the continent’s growing fan base.
“Today’s announcement brings Formula 1 closer to them than ever before. It gives new generations the opportunity to dream bigger,” he noted.
He added that the project would extend beyond race weekends, creating opportunities in tourism, investment, skills development and local business growth.
“This is not simply about hosting a Grand Prix. This is about creating legacy and inspiration,” Domenicali stated.
He said the project could deliver economic and social benefits for generations, while giving young Africans opportunities to pursue careers in engineering, technical services and other fields linked to motorsport.
FIA pledges support for African motorsport
Ben Sulayem said the announcement marked Formula 1’s return to a continent that deserved a greater role in international motorsport.
He recalled the FIA General Assembly and Awards held in Kigali in December 2024, describing the event as an important step in strengthening relations between Rwanda and the federation.
Ben Sulayem also highlighted the significance of the race’s name, saying the initiative was intended to benefit Africa beyond the host country.
“It’s not called Rwanda F1. It’s called Africa. This is sending a message. It is about Africa,” he said.
He pledged FIA support in preparing Rwanda for the race, including through training, education and grassroots initiatives to develop local motorsport talent.
The federation has supported Cross Car activities in Rwanda and plans to expand access to karting, which helps young drivers develop their skills.
Ben Sulayem said the FIA would work with Rwanda to ensure the project met international standards.
“The FIA will continue to play an essential role in ensuring that this project develops according to the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and sporting excellence,” he said.
Rwanda’s long pursuit of Formula 1
Rwanda’s selection followed years of efforts to secure a place on the championship calendar. Kagame reinforced the ambition in 2024 when Rwanda hosted the FIA General Assembly and held further discussions with Ben Sulayem and Domenicali in 2025.
The announcement followed expressions of support from prominent drivers, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Mercedes driver George Russell, who had welcomed the prospect of Formula 1 returning to Africa.
The continent last hosted a Formula 1 race at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, near Johannesburg.
South Africa has also pursued a return to the calendar, alongside interest from other African countries, including Morocco and Nigeria.
South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie acknowledged Rwanda’s progress in a post on X on October 7, 2026.
“We are happy for Rwanda’s 2030 F1,” he wrote. “They have worked on it longer than SA and deserve it.”
The 10-year agreement establishes a long-term commitment to bringing Formula 1 to Rwanda, with preparations for the Bugesera circuit central to the country’s debut race.
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