In a press statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, Youssouf commended the Rwandan Government for securing the agreement, describing it as a significant milestone for African sport and evidence of the continent’s growing capacity to host major international sporting events.
The agreement, announced on October 13, will bring the Formula 1 African Grand Prix to Rwanda in the early 2030s, once a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera District is completed.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission welcomes the agreement to bring Formula 1 to Rwanda, describing it as a significant milestone for African sport and a testament to the continent’s growing potential to host world-class international sporting events,” the AU statement reads.
Youssouf said international sporting events offer African countries an opportunity to strengthen their presence on the global stage while opening up economic opportunities beyond the competitions themselves.
He highlighted their potential to attract investment, promote tourism, develop local expertise and expand opportunities for young people.
The AU Commission chairperson also emphasised sport’s role in economic development, describing it as a catalyst for job creation, youth empowerment and regional integration.
He called for stronger collaboration between African governments, private-sector players and other stakeholders to ensure the benefits of major sporting events extend beyond race weekends and reach local communities.
The initiative, he noted, aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its citizens.
The agreement comes as Rwanda continues to use international sporting events to promote tourism, attract investment and strengthen its profile as a destination for global competitions.
A wider ambition for African motorsport
President Paul Kagame said during the unveiling of the deal on October 13 that Rwanda’s Formula 1 plans are part of a wider ambition to ensure Africa benefits more from the global sports industry through skills development, investment and greater participation in motorsport.
“We want to contribute, not just participate. This new chapter in motorsports starts today,” Kagame said, arguing that the project should create opportunities for Africans to become more than spectators, including through technical careers and involvement in the wider motorsport economy.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted that Rwanda had offered the vision and partnership the sport was seeking as it considered a return to Africa. Formula 1 last held a Grand Prix on the continent in South Africa in 1993.
“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,” Domenicali said.
He added that the ambition went beyond hosting a race, saying the project should create lasting opportunities and inspire future generations.
“This is not simply about hosting a Grand Prix. This is about creating legacy and inspiration,” he said.
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