Formula 1 Is Coming to Africa: Inside Rwanda’s Historic African Grand Prix Deal

On October 13, 2026, in Kigali, Formula 1 announced a 10-year agreement to bring the championship back to Africa. The sport has not raced on the continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. The new race will be called the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, and it is expected to join the calendar in the early 2030s.

Here is what the agreement covers, who is involved and what it could mean for travelers.

The agreement at a glance

• What: A 10-year agreement for the Formula 1 African Grand Prix in Rwanda.
• When: The first race is expected in the early 2030s, after the new circuit is completed. One report says it could happen as early as 2030, but F1 says race dates and construction milestones will be announced later.
• Where: A new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, about 40 km south of Kigali and next to the new Kigali International Airport, which is under construction.
• Title partner: Visit Rwanda, the national tourism brand run by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
• Announced by: President Paul Kagame, F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The circuit

The track is planned to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, the level required to host Formula 1. F1 says the layout is designed to use the natural elevation changes of Rwanda’s hilly landscape, and the design is being developed by WurzDesign, headed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz, together with Tilke Engineers and Architects, which has designed several F1 venues.

The circuit is part of a wider sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development project led by the Rwanda Development Board. Beyond F1, the venue is planned to host other international motorsport, major events and conferences throughout the year.

How Rwanda got here: a timeline

• August 2024: F1 leaders confirm talks with Rwanda about hosting a race, with Domenicali calling the country a serious option.
• December 13, 2024: At the FIA General Assembly in Kigali, President Kagame formally announces Rwanda’s bid. The FIA Awards ceremony is held in Kigali the same week, the first time it took place in Africa, and Max Verstappen collected his championship trophy there.
• 2025–2026: Planning continues around a permanent circuit near the new Bugesera airport, and South Africa is also reported as a rival bidder.
• October 13, 2026: The 10-year deal is announced in Kigali.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been one of the loudest advocates for a race in Africa, and has said he has pushed for it behind the scenes. Verstappen and George Russell have also welcomed the idea.

Why Formula 1 wants Africa

F1 says it already has more than 100 million fans across the continent, and that around 60% of fans in key Sub-Saharan African markets are under 35. Rwanda has also built a track record of hosting international events, including the UCI Road World Championships, the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, the 2023 FIFA Congress and the Basketball Africa League.

For Rwanda, the government’s stated aim is to position the country as a hub for sport, tourism, innovation and business, with President Kagame saying the project will bring jobs, investment and tourism.

Reactions and debate

The announcement has drawn praise and criticism, and any fair summary should include both.

• Supporters see a historic milestone for African motorsport and a major boost for Rwanda’s visibility and economy.
• Critics, including Amnesty International UK, have called the deal a “sportswashing prize,” arguing it helps improve the country’s international image while concerns remain about its human rights record. The Democratic Republic of Congo has also previously urged F1 to end talks with Rwanda, amid the conflict in eastern DRC. Rwanda’s government and its supporters reject such framing and present the project as an investment in the country’s future.
• Economic questions: Some commentators and local voices have asked whether the cost of building a modern circuit and paying race-hosting fees could be better spent on priorities such as health and education, and who will actually benefit. The financial terms have not been detailed publicly in the coverage I found.

How the project develops, and how costs, benefits and public debate evolve, will be closely watched over the coming years.

What it could mean for visitors

• A bigger spotlight on Rwanda. A global F1 audience may bring more first-time travelers.
• New infrastructure. The new international airport at Bugesera and the circuit complex could change how visitors reach and experience the country.
• Race-week travel. Expect strong demand for flights, hotels and tours when a race date is confirmed. Planning early will matter.
• Combine it with Rwanda’s wildlife. Many race fans will want to pair a Grand Prix with a gorilla trek, a safari or a Kigali city tour.

There is no race date or ticket information yet. We will update this page when F1 confirms details.

Things to do in Rwanda while you wait

You don’t have to wait until the 2030s to experience Rwanda. Popular options include:

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Akagera National Park wildlife safaris
• Kigali city tours
• Lake Kivu adventures
• Mount Kigali hike and zipline

Frequently asked questions

Is Formula 1 coming to Rwanda?
Yes. F1 announced a 10-year agreement on October 13, 2026 for the African Grand Prix in Rwanda, expected from the early 2030s.

When will the first Rwanda Grand Prix take place?
The first race is expected in the early 2030s, once the new circuit is completed. A specific date has not been announced.

Where will the African Grand Prix be held?
At a new circuit in Bugesera, about 40 km south of Kigali, next to the new Kigali International Airport.

When was the last F1 race in Africa?
The 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.

Who is designing the circuit?
WurzDesign, headed by Alex Wurz, in collaboration with Tilke Engineers and Architects.

What does “presented by Visit Rwanda” mean?
Visit Rwanda, the country’s tourism brand, is the title partner of the race.

Can I buy tickets yet?
No. Ticketing and race-weekend details have not been announced.

Plan your Rwanda trip

Whether you’re a motorsport fan or a first-time safari traveler, now is a great time to discover Rwanda. Contact Rwagasabo Safaris to plan a custom itinerary.