Formula 1 and the government of Rwanda have announced a 10-year agreement to host a new African Grand Prix in the capital, Kigali. The first race could be held as early as 2030, depending on when construction of the track is completed.
The circuit will be built on natural terrain 40km south of Kigali, next to the under-construction Bugesera international airport. Designed by former driver Alex Wurz and his design company, the 6km, 17-corner anti-clockwise track will feature a 197m change in elevation per lap. The race is officially billed as the 'Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda'.
The deal marks F1's first return to the African continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix. It was announced at a press conference in Kigali attended by Rwandan president Paul Kagame, F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali, and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Kagame said that "today belongs to Africa," noting that the continent has been without the championship for more than three decades.
Domenicali described the agreement as a landmark moment, saying the sport would race on every inhabited continent. He emphasized long-term economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development and local business growth. Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, a number that continues to grow rapidly. Talks between F1 and Rwanda accelerated in 2024, as the nation seeks major sporting events to boost tourism and business.
Source: Autosport F1 News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing