Formula 1 has confirmed its return to the African continent, announcing a ten-year agreement with Rwanda to host a new African Grand Prix. The debut of this event is scheduled for the beginning of the next decade, marking the first stage on the continent since 1993, when the Kyalami circuit in South Africa held the last race of the category.
The choice of Rwanda surprised many enthusiasts, given that South Africa had campaigned to bring back the Kyalami circuit. However, the South African Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, expressed the belief that the country will also host races soon.
The established plan involves the construction of an unprecedented track in Bugesera, located approximately 40 kilometers south of the Rwandan capital, Kigali, adjacent to the new international airport. This track will be designed to meet the requirements of the FIA Grade 1 license, which is essential for the category's participation. It will have a length of 6 kilometers and 17 corners, utilizing the region's rugged terrain, with an altitude variation of 197 meters, as reported by F1.
In addition to the track, the project encompasses a plan for economic development, infrastructure, and tourism, including a year-round event complex.
With this new stage, the World Championship will compete on all inhabited continents. F1 points out that Africa has over 100 million followers, with about 60% of these fans in major sub-Saharan markets being under 35 years old.
However, President Paul Kagame's government initiative generates controversy. Amnesty International classifies the country's sporting initiatives as 'sportswashing,' meaning the use of sports to enhance national image and divert attention from human rights violations. Rwandan authorities refute this allegation.
Additionally, in 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo requested F1 to terminate negotiations, alleging Rwanda's support for the M23 rebels, an accusation also raised by the UN. Rwanda, in turn, defends that its military actions are defensive in nature.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, described the agreement as a historic milestone, stating that Africa has always been part of the category's future.