The medals came in the mixed team time trial and the under-17 girls’ road race, helping Rwanda maintain its lead in the overall medal standings.
Rwanda took bronze in the mixed team time trial, finishing behind South Africa and Mauritius in the 40.8-kilometre race.
The Rwandan team comprised Muhoza Eric, Nsengiyumva Shemu and Tuyizere Étienne in the men’s category, alongside Nirere Xaveline, Ingabire Diane and Mwamikazi Jazilla in the women’s category.
South Africa won the race in 56 minutes, 4.380 seconds, followed by Mauritius in 56 minutes, 17.278 seconds. Rwanda finished third in 56 minutes, 30.130 seconds.
Rwanda added two medals in the under-17 girls’ road race, with Agasaro Gloria taking silver and Liza Jehovaire winning bronze over the 38.2-kilometre course.
Zimbabwe’s Beamish won the race in one hour and 18 minutes, with Agasaro and Liza finishing second and third, respectively. Another Rwandan rider, Mwamikazi Cythia, did not finish the race.
The latest results build on Rwanda’s strong opening day, when Ingabire Diane, Mwamikazi Jazilla and Masengesho Yvonne won gold in three women’s time trial categories.
By Thursday, Rwanda had collected three gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals, placing it at the top of the overall standings. Mauritius ranked second with three medals, including two golds, followed by Eritrea, Algeria and South Africa.
In the under-17 boys’ road race, held over 58.6 kilometres, Byiringiro Moubarak narrowly missed the podium after finishing fourth. Intwari Reponse came sixth, while Mukwende Fuadi finished eighth.
Algeria’s Mohamed Ferkous won the race in one hour, 51 minutes and 54 seconds.
The championships continue on Friday with the junior road races for riders under the age of 19.
Masengesho Yvonne and Akimana Donatha will represent Rwanda in the girls’ race, while Ishimwe Brian, Niyonkuru Yasin and Nkurikiyinka Jackson will compete in the boys’ category.
Rwanda finished third behind South Africa and Mauritius in the mixed team time trial. Rwanda clinched bronze with a third-place finish. Tuyizere Étienne, Nsengiyumva Shemu and Muhoza Eric made up Rwanda’s men’s team. Ingabire Diane, Nyirarukundo Claudette and Nirere Xaveline competed in the women’s time trial. Rwanda’s female cyclists put up a strong fight in the road race.
Agasaro Gloria celebrates her second-place finish, followed by Liza Jehovaire. Rwandans Agasaro Gloria and Liza Jehovaire finished behind Zimbabwe’s Beamish. Rwanda misses out on medals in Thursday’s under-17 boys’ race.
The delegation, comprising players, coaches and club officials, departed Kigali International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday, October 21, 2026, travelling via Nairobi, Kenya.
The Rwandan champions travelled with 23 players for the return leg, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, as they seek to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg and advance to the next round.
The squad includes Hakizimana Adolphe, Ernan Siluane, Nshimiyimana Yunusu, Madou Zon, Byiringiro Jean Gilbert, Ishimwe Christian, Mamadou Traore, Memel Dao, Ronald Ssekiganda, Djibril Ouattara, Amani Michel and William Togui.
Others are Mudahigwa Christian, Nduwayo Alexis, Ishimwe Abdoul, Fitina Ombolenga, Bugingo Hakim, Rubuguza Jean Pierre, Iraguha Hadji, Ngabonziza Pacifique, Hakim Kiwanuka, Uwiyaremye Fidali and Dauda Yussifu.
Most of the players left behind are from the club’s youth team. They include Niyonzima Abidal, Ethinne Bana, Mwumvaneza Tumusiifu, Ndugutse Assoumani, and Ruhamyankiko Ivan.
APR FC lost the first leg 1-0 to Zamalek and must win the return fixture to keep their hopes of progressing in the competition alive.
The delegation, comprising players, coaches and club officials, departed Kigali International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday, October 21, 2026, travelling via Nairobi, Kenya.Ishimwe Christian is set to feature in APR FC’s clash against Zamalek. APR FC face uphill task in EgyptByiringiro Jean Gilbert is one of APR FC’s key players.Ruvuyanga, a former journalist, traveled with APR FC to Egypt.
Ishimwe Abdoul (right) is among the 23 players in APR FC’s squad for the Zamalek clash.Memel Dao, who impressed in the first leg, will feature in CAF Champions League return leg.Dauda Yussif and Ishimwe Abdoul chat before APR FC’s departure from Rwanda.
NCBA’s sponsorship of the Rwanda Open 2026 marked an important milestone for the country’s golfing landscape.
The tournament brought international professional golfers to Kigali, increasing Rwanda’s visibility on the international golf calendar and demonstrating the country’s growing potential as a destination for major sporting events.
Building on this momentum, the third edition of the NCBA Golf Series will bring together golfers, partners and the wider golfing community, continuing the bank’s commitment to supporting the sport beyond major international tournaments.
Building on Rwanda’s growing golf momentum
Since its introduction in Rwanda in 2024, the NCBA Golf Series has provided a platform for golfers to compete, connect and celebrate their shared passion for the game.
The series forms part of NCBA’s broader commitment to supporting sporting initiatives that promote ambition, excellence and meaningful community engagement.
The third edition comes at a significant moment for golf in Rwanda, following the increased international attention generated by the Rwanda Open.
While the Rwanda Open showcased the country’s capacity to host professional international competition, the NCBA Golf Series continues to support the development of the local golfing community and sustain interest in the sport.
In 2025, NCBA further strengthened its partnership with Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, with a focus on developing the game and expanding opportunities for young golfers through junior golf initiatives.
These efforts reflect the importance of investing in emerging talent and creating opportunities for the next generation to participate in and contribute to the future of golf in Rwanda.
More than a game
For NCBA, golf represents more than competition. It offers a platform for building relationships, promoting discipline and excellence, and bringing people together around shared ambition.
Through its sponsorships and partnerships, NCBA continues to support initiatives that create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.
Its involvement in both the Rwanda Open and the NCBA Golf Series reflects a commitment to the sport at different levels, from international professional competition to local participation and talent development.
“Rwanda’s recent hosting of the Rwanda Open was an important milestone for golf in our country. At NCBA, we believe that the growth of the sport depends not only on international tournaments but also on sustained investment in the local golfing community.
Through the NCBA Golf Series, we are proud to continue supporting a platform that brings people together, encourages ambition and contributes to the future of golf in Rwanda.” Maurice Toroitich, Managing Director, NCBA Bank Rwanda PLC.
The NCBA Golf Series aligns with the bank’s purpose of Banking on Belief and Empowering Ambition, reflecting its commitment to initiatives that inspire progress and create lasting value for customers, partners and communities.
As Rwanda continues to strengthen its presence on the regional and international sporting stage, NCBA remains committed to supporting platforms that encourage participation, nurture talent and contribute to the long-term growth of golf.
The third edition of the NCBA Golf Series will take place on October 24 2026, at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, marking another chapter in the bank’s continued support for the sport and Rwanda’s golfing community.
NCBA Bank Rwanda PLC is part of NCBA Group, a financial services group operating across East Africa. Guided by its purpose of Banking on Belief and Empowering Ambition, NCBA supports individuals, businesses and communities through financial solutions and strategic partnerships that enable growth and opportunity.
The third edition of the NCBA Golf Series will take place on October 24 2026, at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas.Through its sponsorships and partnerships, NCBA continues to support initiatives that create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.NCBA’s sponsorship of the Rwanda Open 2026 marked an important milestone for the country’s golfing landscape.
The Rwandan side suffered the defeat at Amahoro Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026, leaving them with a difficult task ahead of the return leg in Mozambique on October 24.
After the match, the Cameroonian striker shared footage on social media of an incident in which Rayon Sports appeared to have a potential goal-scoring opportunity ruled out for offside.
The incident occurred in the 44th minute when Issa Djiguiba received a pass from Atisso Kossivi Kodjo and moved towards the Black Bulls goal. However, the assistant referee raised the flag for offside.
Reacting to the decision, Kameni sarcastically thanked the match officials in an Instagram post, writing: “Dear referees, thank you. Mission accomplished ”
The match was officiated by a Nigerian team led by Salisu Basheer as the centre referee, assisted by Tejiri Digbori and Ahmad Tijjani Mustapha.
Fourth official Abubakar Abdullahi took over as centre referee in the 58th minute after Basheer sustained an injury that left him unable to continue running. Basheer subsequently assumed the role of fourth official.
Rayon Sports must now overturn the two-goal deficit in the return leg in Mozambique to keep their CAF Confederation Cup campaign alive.
The match was officiated by a team of Nigerian referees. Kameni Junior was unhappy with the refereeing during Rayon Sports’ match against Black Bulls.Salisu Basheer ni we wasifuye umukino
Salisu Basheer was the centre referee for the match. Rayon Sports’ starting lineup. Francis Haringingo lost the first leg of the tie for a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. Nelson Santos takes Black Bulls a step closer to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. Haringingo faces a tough task in the return leg. Black Bulls players celebrate their victory. Abdou Gueye (left) was instrumental in Black Bulls’ victory over Rayon Sports. Kameni Junior has criticised refereeing in Rayon Sports’ defeat to Black Bulls. Kameni Junior attempts a header on goal. Kameni Junior is on the ground after being fouled. Kameni Junior looks for an opening to shoot on goal. Tejiri Digbori flags Issa Djiguiba offside, denying Rayon Sports a potential goal-scoring opportunity.
In a message posted on X on Saturday, October 17, Muhoozi congratulated Kagame and Rwanda on the achievement.
“I want to congratulate H.E. @PaulKagame and Rwanda for the return of Formula 1 to the African continent after 33 years. Hongera sana,” he wrote.
Muhoozi joins several African leaders who have congratulated Rwanda on securing a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, with the championship expected to return to the continent in the early 2030s.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also congratulated Kagame and the Rwandan people, describing the agreement as a significant achievement for the country and Africa.
“Congratulations to my brother, President @PaulKagame and the people of Rwanda on securing the @F1 Formula 1 African Grand Prix. This historic achievement reflects your resilience, vision, and smart hard work. Zambia shares your pride in this milestone for Rwanda and Africa,” Hichilema wrote.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has also offered his country’s support as Rwanda prepares to host the race.
In a message posted on X on Thursday, October 15, Kagame thanked Ramaphosa for his congratulations and offer of assistance, saying Rwanda looked forward to working with South Africa and other partners to ensure the event benefits the continent.
“We look forward to working with you and all those who share this vision, to make this Grand Prix truly African in every way possible, and to raise the level of motorsport on this continent,” Kagame wrote.
Ramaphosa had congratulated Rwanda on securing the 10-year hosting agreement and expressed South Africa’s readiness to share its experience in organising major international sporting events.
South Africa hosted the last Formula 1 race on African soil at the Kyalami circuit in 1993. The country has also been pursuing a return to the championship, alongside Rwanda, Morocco and Nigeria.
Rwanda and Formula 1 confirmed the 10-year agreement on October 13, with the race expected to take place in the early 2030s following the construction of a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera District, near Kigali.
The planned circuit is designed to meet the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) Grade 1 requirements for Formula 1 racing.
The project is part of Rwanda’s broader ambitions to develop sports infrastructure, attract tourism and investment, create jobs and expand opportunities for local businesses.
Kagame has said the ambition extends beyond hosting a race, expressing hope that the Grand Prix will help strengthen motorsport across Africa and encourage the continent to host more international races.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has congratulated Rwanda and President Paul Kagame on securing a deal to bring Formula 1 back to Africa after three decades.
In a message posted on X on Thursday, October 15, the Head of State thanked Ramaphosa for congratulating Rwanda on securing a 10-year agreement to host the race and for offering South Africa’s assistance as preparations move forward.
“Thank you very much, my brother, President Cyril Ramaphosa, for your congratulatory message and the support you have offered. We look forward to working with you and all those who share this vision, to make this Grand Prix truly African in every way possible, and to raise the level of motorsport on this continent,” President Kagame wrote.
His remarks followed a message from Ramaphosa congratulating Rwanda on securing the hosting agreement, which will bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time since 1993.
“On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency President Paul Kagame, the Government and the people of Rwanda on securing a 10-year hosting agreement for the Formula 1 African Grand Prix,” Ramaphosa wrote.
The South African leader described the agreement as recognition of Rwanda’s capabilities and those of the continent, while expressing his country’s readiness to share its experience in organising major sporting events.
“This agreement is a testament to the recognition of the capabilities of the Rwandan people and the African continent as a whole,” he said, adding that South Africa would be happy to provide any support Rwanda might need.
South Africa hosted the last Formula 1 race on African soil at the Kyalami circuit in 1993. The country has also been pursuing a return to the championship, competing with Rwanda, Morocco and Nigeria to host a race.
“As host of the first Grand Prix on African soil in 1993, and organiser of other major global events, South Africa will be happy to provide any support we may be invited to share,” Ramaphosa stated.
Kagame’s response places emphasis on cooperation between African countries, with Rwanda seeking to use the Grand Prix not only to attract international attention but also to strengthen motorsport across the continent.
The 10-year agreement announced on October 13 will see the championship return to Africa in the early 2030s, once a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, near Kigali, has been completed.
The project forms part of Rwanda’s broader plans to develop sports infrastructure, attract tourism and investment, create jobs and expand opportunities for local businesses.
In announcing the agreement, Kagame said the ambition extended beyond hosting a single race weekend, highlighting the potential for African markets to benefit more directly from the global sports industry.
The planned circuit is expected to meet the FIA’s Grade 1 requirements for Formula 1 racing and form part of a wider development project linked to sports, tourism and commercial activities.
President Kagame has also expressed the hope that the African Grand Prix will encourage more races to be hosted on the continent.
President Paul Kagame has welcomed an offer of support from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, pledging to work with him and other partners to make the Formula 1 African Grand Prix a truly continental event.
Designed to combine high-speed racing, dramatic elevation changes and the country’s natural landscape, the circuit is also intended to become a year-round destination for sport, entertainment and investment.
The planned circuit will stretch approximately six kilometres, feature 17 corners and run anti-clockwise. Its most distinctive feature is an elevation gain of 197 metres per lap, which its designers say would set a record for the Formula 1 calendar.
Rather than substantially reshape the terrain to accommodate the track, the design follows the natural contours of the site, using its hills and proximity to a lake to create a technically demanding circuit and a distinctive setting for spectators.
For Rwanda, the proposed circuit could provide a platform to turn that ambition into opportunities extending beyond the racetrack, while strengthening the country’s position as a destination for major international sporting events.
Rwanda has signed a 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix.
A circuit shaped by nature
Dr Carsten Tilke, Managing Director of Tilke Engineers & Architects, the firm involved in designing the circuit, said the objective was to create a track that challenges drivers while encouraging competitive racing.
“When we talk about the track, first of all, it was always important for us that it’s amazing to drive, challenging to drive, but on the other hand, also creating great races, so we need to create overtaking points,” Tilke told the press in Kigali on Tuesday after the announcement of Rwanda’s successful bid.
He explained that the layout was designed to allow different racing strategies and create opportunities for overtaking, ensuring that the competition remains engaging throughout qualifying and race day.
Spectator experience was equally important to the design.
“The other thing very important for us was that the focus was always the spectator, spectators must be close to the track, must feel the track, must be part of it,” he said.
Dr Carsten Tilke, Managing Director of Tilke Engineers & Architects, the firm involved in designing the circuit, said the objective was to create a track that challenges drivers while encouraging competitive racing.
The circuit will unfold between two hills, allowing the natural terrain to provide elevated viewing areas and bring fans closer to the action. Its steep climbs, descents and banked corners are expected to test drivers and engineers, with gradients reaching approximately 12% and 13% in some sections.
Tilke described the track as a roller coaster, shaped by the site’s hilly topography and natural beauty. The circuit will also feature a straight stretching more than one kilometre, leading into a heavy braking zone intended to create overtaking opportunities. Other sections are designed to encourage close racing, while fast corner combinations near the lake are expected to add to the circuit’s visual appeal.
The combination of elevation changes, speed and technical corners is intended to give Rwanda a circuit with a distinct identity rather than a layout that could be replicated elsewhere.
Alexander Wurz, a former Formula 1 driver involved in the design process, said the Bugesera site stood out because its natural features offered an opportunity to build a circuit around the landscape rather than impose a design on it.
“When we learned from the development in Bugesera from the Rwanda Development Board, the strategic airport master plan, and then we actually saw it, you see the hillsides and the lake, and I said, ‘Guys, there’s only one location this circuit should be,’” Wurz said.
He explained that the circuit would use the two hills and the lake below them to create elevation changes, scenic views and spectator areas integrated into the landscape. The design is intended to showcase Rwanda’s scenery while providing a challenging experience for drivers.
The designers say the circuit is shaped by nature.
The plans also envisage leisure facilities around the lake, extending the site’s use beyond motorsport. Jules Muheto Ndenga, CEO of Bugesera Airport City, said the development could include terraces and recreational spaces near the water, with the possibility of introducing water sports in the future.
“The plan will be to make it clean and suitable for leisure activities. We may in the future have some water sports,” he said.
Ndenga added that the circuit’s design would incorporate access roads, bridges or underground passages to help spectators move between areas without crossing the track during races.
Beyond the racing surface, the project includes a paddock village and supporting facilities designed to follow the natural landscape.
Tilke said the paddock would be terraced to accommodate the site’s topography, while the architectural concept draws inspiration from Rwanda’s traditional villages and their emphasis on community.
The design aims to bring that sense of community into the motorsport environment, while incorporating local materials and architectural influences that reflect the country’s landscape and culture.
The facilities are also intended to support activities beyond Formula 1, allowing the venue to host other motorsport events, exhibitions and gatherings throughout the year.
Investment and year-round use
The circuit’s development will involve investment and supporting infrastructure.
Jean Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said Rwanda had assembled a global consortium of public and private actors and was holding discussions with potential investors.
He noted that discussions involved investment funds and high-net-worth individuals, adding that the project had attracted considerable private-sector interest.
“We have witnessed tremendous interest from the private sector. Family offices, some of them were here today, investment funds, high-net-worth individuals,” he said.
Jean Guy Afrika, CEO of RDB, said Rwanda was in talks with potential investors for the F1 circuit.
Commenting on the early 2030s timeframe, Afrika said it would provide sufficient flexibility to finalise preparations. The final scheduling decision would be made in coordination with Formula 1 once the necessary requirements had been addressed.
Beyond a Grand Prix weekend, Rwanda’s ambitions extend beyond hosting a single race. According to Afrika, the proposed circuit will have capacity for approximately 100,000 spectators, with the potential to generate demand for hotels, restaurants, retail businesses and other services.
“Over a weekend, we’re talking close to 300,000 people consuming everything from retail products, restaurants, hotels, accommodation infrastructure,” Afrika said, describing the potential scale of economic activity around the event.
Such demand could create opportunities for existing businesses, stimulate investment in hospitality and tourism, and contribute to government revenues through taxes.
“The track we are building is multi-purpose,” Afrika said. “We’re not targeting a single weekend; we’re looking at year-round utilisation.”
He said the venue was being designed to accommodate concerts, exhibitions and other events throughout the year.
This approach could help sustain activity beyond the racing calendar, supporting employment and giving local businesses opportunities to benefit from the facility.
A wider ambition for African motorsport
President Paul Kagame has framed Rwanda’s Formula 1 plans as part of a wider ambition to ensure that Africa benefits more from the global sports industry, including 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.
President Paul Kagame has framed Rwanda’s Formula 1 plans as part of a wider ambition to ensure that Africa benefits more from the global sports industry.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said 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.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also revealed that Rwanda could host the launch of Formula 1’s new V8 engine in 2030, expressing confidence in the country’s potential role in the sport’s future.
“The beauty of it is that we are working together so that the launch of the new V8 will be in 2030. So Rwanda is going to have that engine in the first-ever race,” he remarked.
Speaking in Kigali on Tuesday, October 13, during a panel discussion with Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Kagame responded to doubts about whether a country of Rwanda’s size could host one of the world’s biggest motorsport events.
“I tell those people to take a deep breath, calm down, and wait to see what is coming,” he said.
Kagame acknowledged that Rwanda is a small country but argued that its ambitions should not be judged by its size. He said the Formula 1 project forms part of wider development plans and should be considered in the context of Africa, rather than as an initiative benefiting Rwanda alone.
He said the Grand Prix should help Africa secure greater economic benefits from the global sports industry. African athletes, he noted, have contributed significantly to the international sports economy, while the continent has received comparatively little in return.
Kagame highlighted that Rwanda wanted Africans to participate in motorsport beyond being spectators, with opportunities to work as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and investors, as well as future drivers.
The remarks came as Formula 1 and Rwanda announced a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix from the early 2030s. The race will take place at a new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera District, near the new Kigali International Airport, once construction is completed.
Formula 1 last raced in Africa at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. The planned return will make Rwanda the latest African country to host a round of the championship.
Domenicali said Rwanda had emerged as the right partner after years of Formula 1 seeking a suitable opportunity to 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 remarked, praising President Paul Kagame’s leadership and the country’s long-term vision, ambition and commitment to creating opportunities for its people.
Domenicali said the partnership was intended to deliver benefits beyond the race itself, including tourism, investment, skills development and growth for local businesses.
“This is not simply about hosting a Grand Prix. This is about creating legacy and inspiration,” he said.
He also noted that Africa has more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, saying the return would bring the sport closer to a growing audience and give young people opportunities to see themselves in careers linked to motorsport.
Ben Sulayem highlighted the importance of training, education and grassroots development, including opportunities to expand entry-level racing and build local technical skills. He said developing motorsport in Rwanda and across Africa would require greater access to the sport and investment in local talent.
Beyond the sporting ambitions, private investors are expected to play a leading role in developing Rwanda’s Formula 1 circuit.
Speaking to journalists after the announcement, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Executive Officer Jean Guy Afrika said the project had attracted strong interest from private-sector investors.
“We have witnessed tremendous interest from the private sector. Family offices, some of them were here today, investment funds, high-net-worth individuals,” he revealed.
Afrika said the investment interest reflected the commercial opportunities associated with the circuit, which is intended to serve as more than a venue for the annual Grand Prix.
The facility is being planned to host concerts, exhibitions and other events throughout the year, creating opportunities to generate revenue beyond race weekend.
Rwanda also projects that up to 300,000 consumers could be drawn to the country over a Formula 1 race weekend, according to Afrika.
He said visitor spending could benefit hotels, restaurants, retailers and other service providers, while also contributing to tax revenues.
The project is expected to create opportunities in tourism, employment, technical skills and business, with the potential to support local companies and attract further investment.
President Kagame acknowledged that Rwanda is a small country but argued that its ambitions should not be judged by its size. The remarks came as Formula 1 and Rwanda announced a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix from the early 2030s. Formula 1 boss Domenicali said the partnership was intended to deliver benefits beyond the race itself, including tourism, investment, skills development and growth for local businesses.FIA President Ben Sulayem highlighted the importance of training, education and grassroots development, including opportunities to expand entry-level racing and build local technical skills.
PFL Africa confirmed that Nigeria’s Patrick Ocheme will face Senegal’s Demba Seck in the lightweight final, headlining a stacked championship card in Rwanda.
The finals will mark another major mixed martial arts event for Kigali, which previously hosted the inaugural PFL Africa semifinals in October 2025. The Rwandan capital will become the first city to host more than one PFL Africa event.
Rwanda’s hosting of the event comes as Kigali continues to attract international sporting competitions, strengthening its profile as a premier destination for major events on the African calendar.
The three championship bouts feature fighters who secured their places during the PFL Africa semifinals held in Casablanca, Morocco, on October 10, 2026.
In the welterweight division, Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança will face unbeaten David Samuel, while the bantamweight final will see Liberia’s Dwight Joseph take on Raphael Uchegbu.
Kigali will host the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa 2026 finals on December 12 at BK Arena, bringing together some of the continent’s leading mixed martial arts fighters for championship bouts across three divisions.
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 the agreement represented a milestone for Rwanda and the continent.
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.
F1 boss Domenicali described the announcement as a historic moment for the sport and the continent.
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 said the announcement marked Formula 1’s return to a continent that deserved a greater role in international motorsport.
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.
The race, to be known as the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, will take place once a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera District has been completed.
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.
The race will be known as the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda. Kagame said partnerships with global sports organisations could help change that dynamic by creating economic opportunities in tourism, hospitality and entertainment.
