Formula 1 is coming back to Africa. The sport has signed a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, with the race expected to be added to the calendar in the early 2030s.
For South African motorsport fans, the announcement carries extra weight. The last F1 race on the continent was held at Kyalami in 1993, just outside Johannesburg. Since then, Africa has been absent from the championship, even as the sport’s following on the continent has grown. Formula 1 says more than 100 million fans now follow the series across Africa, and nearly 60% of fans in key Sub-Saharan markets are under 35.
When will the race take place?
The race will not start until a purpose-built circuit is finished in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali. The track is being developed to FIA Grade 1 standards, the highest rating for circuits, and sits beside the new Kigali International Airport. Alexander Wurz, a former F1 driver, is reported to be designing the layout, which takes advantage of the area’s hills and forests to create a fast, flowing track. The project is part of a broader sports, tourism, and infrastructure plan led by the Rwanda Development Board, and the venue is intended to host other motorsport events, conferences, and entertainment year-round.
Some reports suggest Rwanda’s bid targets 2029, earlier than the early 2030s in F1’s official announcement. Formula 1 has not yet confirmed a race date, and details on the inaugural event will be released later.
Multiple bids
The deal is also part of a wider contest for Africa’s next race. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said talks are progressing with three African venues, though he has cautioned that an outcome is not expected in the short term. South Africa is pursuing two options: an upgrade of Kyalami to Grade 1 standard, and a privately backed R6.7 billion proposal for a new circuit in the Western Cape. Morocco has also proposed a large motorsport and tourism project near Tangier. Rwanda’s deal, which gives it a signed agreement, puts it ahead of these rivals for now.
Rwanda has also built a record of hosting major events, including the UCI Road World Championships, the 2023 FIFA Congress and the FIA Awards Ceremony. Formula 1 and the Rwandan government say the goal is a lasting legacy rather than a single race weekend, with a focus on tourism, investment, local skills and business opportunities.
Back in Africa
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali described the announcement as a landmark, saying the sport would now race on every inhabited continent. Rwandan President Paul Kagame framed it as an investment in his country’s future, citing jobs and skills, as well as the sporting spectacle. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the federation would work closely with Formula 1 to ensure the new circuit meets the highest international standards.
For South African readers, the message is clear: Africa is back on the Formula 1 map, whether we'll see a local race remains to be seen.
