Formula 1 Confirms 10-Year Deal for African Grand Prix in Rwanda

Formula 1 is set to return to Africa after more than three decades away, following a 10-year agreement for Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix in the early 2030s.

The deal, announced on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, will bring the championship to a new circuit planned for Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. The race will be known as the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda.

The agreement marks a major development for African motorsport. The continent has not hosted a Formula 1 World Championship race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.

Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali welcomed the agreement, saying Rwanda had emerged as the right partner for the sport’s long-awaited return to Africa.

He said the decision followed years of discussions about finding a suitable location and establishing the right conditions for a successful, long-term race.

Under the agreement, Rwanda will develop a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera to meet the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Grade 1 requirements for Formula 1 racing.

The proposed track is expected to make use of the area’s natural terrain and elevation changes to create a challenging course for drivers.

Its location near the new Kigali International Airport is also expected to support access for international visitors, teams and other participants.

The circuit forms part of Rwanda’s wider efforts to attract major sporting events and strengthen its position as a destination for international tourism and investment.

Plans also extend beyond the annual race weekend. The venue is intended to host other motorsport competitions, conferences, entertainment events and business activities throughout the year.

Rwanda’s agreement with Formula 1 reflects years of work to secure a place on the championship calendar.

The government hopes the project will generate employment, develop local skills, attract visitors and create new opportunities for businesses.

Formula 1 has also presented the agreement as a long-term investment in the sport’s presence across Africa, where it has a large and growing fan base.

The deal could give more African fans the opportunity to experience the championship on the continent. It may also create pathways for young people interested in motorsport careers, including engineering, technical operations and related businesses.

However, the expected benefits will depend on how the circuit and supporting facilities are developed and how effectively the project connects with local communities and businesses.

Formula 1 last raced in Africa at the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993.

Since then, the sport has expanded into several new markets, but Africa has remained absent from the World Championship calendar.

Rwanda’s agreement is therefore an important step towards restoring the continent’s place in the sport. It also means Formula 1 is preparing to hold races across every inhabited continent once the event joins the calendar.

Rwanda will become the latest African country to host a Formula 1 World Championship race, following South Africa and Morocco.

Although the 10-year agreement has been announced, several important details remain outstanding.

Formula 1 has not yet confirmed the exact date of the inaugural African Grand Prix. Construction milestones and further information about the race weekend are also expected to be released later.

The first event will depend on the completion of the new circuit and the facilities needed to meet Formula 1’s technical and operational standards.

For Rwanda, the agreement represents an opportunity to attract global attention and strengthen its sporting and tourism ambitions. For African motorsport fans, it brings renewed hope of seeing Formula 1 racing return to the continent after more than 30 years.