Formula 1 has announced plans to return to Africa for the first time since 1993, with a new grand prix set to take place in Rwanda. The event is expected to be held on a purpose-built circuit near the capital city, Kigali, with an anticipated debut in the early 2030s. The announcement was made at a news conference in Kigali, attended by Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The circuit is being developed in Bugesera, near Kigali’s new international airport, and is designed by WurzDesign and the Tilke engineering group, both known for their work on modern Formula 1 tracks. The project is being overseen and funded by the Rwanda Development Board, which promotes tourism under the “Visit Rwanda” brand, a name that will also be featured in the official race title, the “African Grand Prix presented by Visit Rwanda.”
Rwanda’s inclusion reinstates the continent’s presence on the Formula 1 calendar after nearly 40 years. Formula 1 officials cited the sport’s growing popularity among younger audiences in Africa, noting that over 100 million fans are based on the continent, with a majority under the age of 35 in key sub-Saharan markets. This move aligns with Formula 1’s broader strategy, under Liberty Media since 2017, to expand into emerging markets, complementing recent additions such as Miami, Las Vegas, and the planned return of Portugal and Turkey.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has long advocated for a race in Africa. In 2024, he expressed a desire to compete in the event before retiring, though no specific date has been set, making his participation uncertain given his current age.
The announcement comes amid Rwanda’s growing involvement in international sports. Beyond the forthcoming grand prix, Kigali recently hosted cycling’s road world championships and a cricket tournament. The “Visit Rwanda” campaign has sponsored football clubs such as Arsenal, Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, and holds partnerships with U.S. teams including the Los Angeles Rams and Clippers.
However, the planned race has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and international bodies. Amnesty International described the event as a potential “sportswashing prize,” accusing Rwanda’s government of attempting to improve its international image amid ongoing concerns. Notably, the United Nations has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a group implicated in serious human rights abuses and destabilizing activities in the region. Both the UK and U.S. governments have responded by suspending aid or imposing sanctions on Rwanda.
Rwandan authorities deny allegations of support for armed groups and maintain that their actions are focused on securing their national territory. A Formula 1 spokesperson emphasized the sport’s commitment to bringing positive economic and cultural impact to host countries and highlighted its role as a force for good.
Other African nations, including South Africa, have also pursued the return of Formula 1, with proposals to revive the historic Kyalami circuit or host an event in Cape Town. However, none have advanced as far as Rwanda’s project.
While the exact date for the African Grand Prix remains undecided, Rwanda’s inclusion marks a significant step in Formula 1’s global expansion and its effort to engage the continent’s burgeoning fan base.