Rwanda’s ambition to bring Formula 1 to the country appears to be gaining momentum, with the possibility of the East African nation appearing on the championship’s calendar as early as 2028. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has indicated that discussions are progressing with several countries interested in joining the championship, including Rwanda, South Africa, Argentina and Thailand. While no final decision has been made, Rwanda’s presence among the countries involved in advanced discussions represents a significant step forward in its long-running ambition to host a Grand Prix. For Rwanda,

Rwanda’s ambition to bring Formula 1 to the country appears to be gaining momentum, with the possibility of the East African nation appearing on the championship’s calendar as early as 2028.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has indicated that discussions are progressing with several countries interested in joining the championship, including Rwanda, South Africa, Argentina and Thailand. While no final decision has been made, Rwanda’s presence among the countries involved in advanced discussions represents a significant step forward in its long-running ambition to host a Grand Prix.

For Rwanda, this is about more than bringing one of the world’s biggest sporting competitions to Kigali. It is part of a broader strategy to establish the country as a destination for major international sporting events and to increase its visibility on the global stage.

Rwanda officially submitted its bid to host a Formula 1 race in December 2024, with President Paul Kagame announcing the move during the FIA General Assembly in Kigali. Since then, the country has continued exploring what would be required to stage an event of Formula 1’s scale.

The proposed project is expected to be centred in Bugesera, near the new international airport. This location could create a strong connection between the racing circuit, international travel and the wider development taking place in the area.

The timing could also work in Rwanda’s favour. Formula 1 is seeking to expand its global reach and attract hundreds of millions of fans by 2028, including a stronger presence in Africa. The continent has not hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix since the South African Grand Prix in 1993.

Rwanda therefore sees an opportunity to become the country that helps bring Formula 1 back to Africa.

But the ambition comes with major challenges. Hosting a Formula 1 race requires world-class infrastructure, a circuit that meets strict FIA standards, significant financial investment, transport capacity, accommodation and extensive logistical preparation.

Rwanda’s government, however, remains confident. Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire said in July that the country remains determined to host Formula 1 and that the foundations needed to achieve the ambition are already being put in place.

If successful, the project could deliver benefits beyond the race itself. A Formula 1 Grand Prix could attract international visitors, generate business opportunities, create jobs and place Rwanda before a global audience of millions.

It could also strengthen Bugesera’s position as an emerging economic and tourism hub, particularly as the new airport and other major developments take shape.

Rwanda’s previous experience hosting major sporting events, including international cycling, basketball and football competitions, has helped build its reputation as an events destination. Formula 1, however, would represent a much bigger test and one of the country’s most ambitious sporting projects yet.

The fact that Rwanda is now being mentioned alongside established Formula 1 markets and other serious candidates shows how far the country’s ambition has travelled.

There is still no guarantee that Rwanda will secure a place on the 2028 calendar. The negotiations, infrastructure requirements and final approval process all remain ahead.

But after years of expressing interest, Rwanda now appears to be moving from simply dreaming about Formula 1 to seriously positioning itself for a place on the grid.

If the plan succeeds, 2028 could become a historic year not only for Rwanda, but for African motorsport.

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