Rwanda will host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix for 10 years starting in 2030, President Paul Kagame has announced, in a major development that will bring the prestigious motor racing championship back to Africa.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during a ceremony held at BK Arena in Kigali, attended by President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, alongside Stefano Domenicali, President and Chief Executive Officer of Formula 1, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and other distinguished guests and stakeholders.
President Kagame described Rwanda’s selection as an honour and a privilege, thanking Formula 1 management and the FIA for their trust and collaboration in bringing the event to the country.
“Rwanda is happy and excited to be part of a journey that will change how Africa is perceived in the world of sports,” Kagame said.
He also assured the championship’s leadership of Rwanda’s commitment to the partnership, saying: “You have a trusted and reliable partner in us.”
The President stressed that hosting Formula 1 would go beyond constructing racing facilities, highlighting the importance of establishing an economic model that benefits local communities.
“This is not just about building venues, it’s about creating a sustainable economic model where different revenue streams are generated and anchored into local communities,” he said.
The 10-year agreement will see Rwanda host the African Grand Prix from 2030, marking a significant step in the country’s ambition to position itself as a destination for major international sporting events.
Preparations are expected to include the development of a dedicated racing circuit in the Bugesera area, south of Kigali, designed to meet Formula 1’s technical and operational requirements.
Formula 1 last held a race in Africa at the South African Grand Prix in 1993. Rwanda’s entry onto the championship calendar would therefore mark the sport’s return to the continent after more than three decades.
The event is expected to attract international teams, drivers, sponsors and fans, creating opportunities for tourism, investment and employment while raising Rwanda’s profile on the global sporting stage.