Sources in the Rwandan government and those close to the sports leadership informed AFP that Rwanda will host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, which would mark the first race on the African continent in decades.
South Africa was also involved in tenders for hosting a Formula 1 race, and the country's sports minister emphasized that it cannot be excluded solely because Rwanda was chosen. South African Sports Minister Gethon McKenzie posted on X, stating: 'Rwanda worked on this longer than South Africa, and deserves it.' He added: 'However, remember that one country, Italy, hosts two Formula 1 Grands Prix per year, and some react as if the continent of 55 countries can only have one. South Africa will get Formula 1 before 2030.'
For many years, Rwanda has aimed to host a Grand Prix, previously using football, basketball, and other sports to improve its image and attract investment. Although the final decision between Rwanda and the FIA has not been officially announced, a government source told AFP that 'Rwanda's application to host a Formula 1 race has been approved, an agreement has been reached.'
A source close to the FIA specified that the official announcement will take place in the capital of Rwanda, Kigali, next week, with support from Qatar. President Paul Kagame officially presented the application when Rwanda hosted the FIA meeting in December 2024. At that time, he stated: 'It all comes down to respect and providing everyone the opportunity to contribute where they can.'
This announcement will bring joy to one of the sport's biggest stars, Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time champion has long advocated for a Formula 1 round in Africa, supporting Rwanda's plans in 2024 and calling the country 'one of my favorite places.'
Rwanda, a poor, landlocked country in East Africa, still widely associated with the horrific genocide of 1994, is using sports to refresh its image, attract tourists, and impress investors with its organizational efficiency. The country has invested heavily in football sponsorship deals with clubs such as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, collaborated with the NBA as the main hub of its African basketball league, and hosted the cycling world championship last year.
Critics call this 'sportswashing'—using high-profile events to distract from allegations of serious human rights abuses, including the brutal suppression of any opposition or dissent. Others view it as Western hypocrisy, arguing that no one called the World Cup in the United States this year 'sportswashing,' despite the human rights violations in the country.
A government source in Rwanda noted concerns that the decision may not be fully accepted domestically, where a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line and has seen little benefit from major sports partnerships. The source added: 'Regarding the deal with Arsenal, government officials toured media towns talking about it, but the atmosphere in the country is different this time, so they are acting differently. The economy is struggling.'