Rwanda has secured a landmark 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, marking a historic milestone in the country’s ambition to position itself as a leading destination for international sport, tourism and investment. The agreement will bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, with the inaugural race expected in the early 2030s.
Announced by His Excellency President Paul Kagame, alongside Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, at a special ceremony held in Kigali on 13 October 2026, the agreement follows years of collaboration to lay the foundations for a world-class, sustainable Grand Prix in Africa.
The race will be held at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera District, approximately 40 kilometres south of the Capital City, Kigali, and adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport. Developed to FIA Grade 1 standards, the circuit will incorporate the area’s distinctive hills, natural landscape and elevation changes to deliver a challenging racing experience and exceptional viewing opportunities for spectators. Designed by Wurz Design and Tilke Engineers and Architects, the multi-purpose venue is also expected to host other motorsport competitions, conferences, entertainment and major international events throughout the year.
“This 10-year partnership is also an investment in Rwanda’s future,” said President Paul Kagame. “The circuit in Bugesera, alongside the new international airport, will bring jobs, skills, tourism and new business to our country and our region for decades to come. Our aim was never a single race weekend, but a lasting benefit for our people,” he added. President Paul Kagame also stressed that the project should benefit Africa beyond Rwanda, describing the planned Grand Prix as an opportunity for broader continental participation.
In his remarks, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, stated that Africa had always been part of Formula 1’s future and that, from the outset, they had been determined to return to the continent in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating a meaningful impact.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed the agreement as a historic step for motorsport’s global growth, reaffirming the FIA’s commitment to working with Formula 1 and its partners to ensure the circuit meets the highest international safety and technical standards while developing talent and expanding opportunities across Africa.
Formula 1’s return presents a significant opportunity to connect the sport with its growing African audience. The Grand Prix is expected to expand access to the sport, inspire young people and create pathways into motorsport, engineering, technology and related industries.
The project forms part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a regional hub for sport, tourism, innovation and business. Led by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), it is expected to stimulate investment, create employment, build local skills, support businesses and generate long-term economic and social benefits for Rwanda and the wider African region.
Rwanda’s track record of hosting major international events, including the UCI Road World Championships, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the Basketball Africa League and the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and Awards Ceremony, as well as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Africa, underscores its growing capacity to deliver events of global significance.
