Rwanda is set to bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time in more than three decades after securing a 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix, with a new circuit planned for Bugesera District.

Rwanda is set to bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time in more than three decades after securing a 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix, with a new circuit planned for Bugesera District.

Rwanda has taken a major step towards joining the global motorsport calendar after confirming a long-term agreement with Formula 1 to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s.

The agreement was announced by President Paul Kagame in Kigali on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ambition to attract major international sporting events.

The race, branded the African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, is expected to take place at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera District, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali. According to Formula 1, the facility is expected to be completed in the early 2030s, although the date of the inaugural race has not yet been confirmed.

The deal will mark Formula 1’s return to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, restoring the continent’s presence in one of the world’s most prominent motorsport championships.

President Kagame welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important moment for Africa and expressing Rwanda’s readiness to host a competition followed by a global audience.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem hailed the agreement as a significant development for motorsport, highlighting its potential to nurture emerging talent, inspire younger generations and create new opportunities across Africa.

Formula 1 President Stefano Domenicali also emphasised the importance of establishing a long-term partnership that supports the championship’s global expansion while delivering meaningful benefits.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been among the leading voices calling for Formula 1 to return to Africa, repeatedly highlighting the continent’s importance to the sport’s international future.

For Rwanda, hosting a Grand Prix could generate opportunities beyond the racetrack. The event has the potential to strengthen tourism, attract international visitors, stimulate demand for hospitality and transport services, and create employment linked to circuit development and race operations.

It could also provide a platform for developing local expertise in motorsport engineering, event management and technical operations, while encouraging greater participation in motorsport among young people across the region.

Rwanda formally announced its bid to host Formula 1 in December 2024, when the country hosted an FIA gathering. The 10-year agreement represents a major step towards turning that ambition into reality.

Formula 1 is expected to release further details on the inaugural race date, construction milestones and race-weekend arrangements in due course.

If delivered as planned, the African Grand Prix would establish Rwanda as a new destination on the Formula 1 calendar and mark a significant chapter in Africa’s return to the world’s premier motorsport championship.

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