Formula 1 plans to return to Africa under a ten-year agreement with Rwanda, ending the championship's 33-year absence from the continent. This means the long campaign to host a Grand Prix in Africa has moved from competitive bids to a confirmed venue.
The Formula 1 Grand Prix in Africa, presented by Visit Rwanda, is expected to join the championship calendar in the early 2030s after the construction of a specially designed track in Bugesera, south of Kigali. Formula 1 announced this on October 13, noting that the agreement resulted from years of joint work to create the foundation for a 'successful, sustainable, and world-class Grand Prix.'
This event will be part of a broader project to develop tourism, infrastructure, commerce, and sports, overseen by the Rwanda Development Board. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, stated at the launch event in Kigali that the goal goes beyond simply hosting a Grand Prix, as it is about creating a legacy and inspiration in the fields of tourism, investment, education, and opportunities.
Domenicali emphasized that the partnership between Formula 1, Rwanda, and the FIA will continue after the race weekend, opening up opportunities for local communities and businesses, while also strengthening the connection between African fans and the championship.
Opportunities for the Continent
According to Formula 1 estimates, over 100 million fans watch this sport in Africa, with nearly 60% of them in key African regions being under 35 years old. Domenicali also mentioned a global audience of over 800 million viewers, viewing this agreement as part of the championship's broader expansion into new markets.
Rwanda President Paul Kagame called this development an opportunity for both his country and the entire continent, stating that ambitions are not limited to securing one spot on the calendar. Kagame noted: 'Ultimately, we want the African Grand Prix to pave the way for other races on the continent,' adding that current actions prove this is achievable.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed a similar view regarding the identity of the event, stating: 'It is called Africa, not Rwandan Formula 1,' and characterized the announcement as the start of a new chapter for the championship on the continent.
This agreement followed nearly two years of public promotion by Rwanda to secure a place on the Formula 1 calendar. Kagame officially submitted the country's application in December 2024 during the FIA General Assembly and awards ceremony in Kigali, building on Rwanda's efforts to attract international sporting events.
The championship has been absent from Africa since the South African Grand Prix in Kyalami in 1993. South Africa continues to modernize its historic track, while Morocco has proposed a major motorsport complex near Tangier. Nigeria and Zanzibar have also put forward proposals.
The agreement with Rwanda secures its first confirmed venue among recent African bids. South Africa maintains interest in the return of Formula 1, which could make this agreement a starting point for renewed efforts to expand the championship's presence in Africa.
For Rwanda, the immediate task is the realization of infrastructure projects. The planned track will be located approximately 40 km south of Kigali, near the new Kigali International Airport, and must meet the FIA Grade 1 standard required for Formula 1.
The track concept presented at the launch showed a track of about 6 km with 17 corners, a counter-clockwise layout, and an elevation gain of 197 m per lap. The design aims to utilize the natural contours of the terrain to create a challenging track for drivers and diverse viewing opportunities for spectators.
Formula 1 and the Rwanda Development Board also intend to transform the venue into a year-round destination for international motorsports, conferences, entertainment, and other major events. The broader development is intended to stimulate demand for services in transport, catering, hospitality, and other enterprises beyond the annual races.
Kagame stated that the project will require significant private sector participation, and investors were among those present at the announcement. He also asserted that the Grand Prix is part of a broader economic strategy, not an end in itself. He stressed: 'We are not just looking at Rwanda. We are looking at Rwanda in the context of the continent,' adding that the country wants other African markets to participate in the opportunities created by this project.
The scale of these opportunities will depend on the required investment and the volume of local economic activity that can be sustained. Formula 1 and the Rwandan government have not yet disclosed the track construction budget, detailed financing structure, or projected economic impact. The date of the first race and development stages will be announced later.
Access Expansion Initiatives
Rwanda enters this project with an existing tourism and international events sector. According to the Rwanda Development Board, tourism revenue reached $685 million in 2025, compared to $647 million in 2024, and tourist arrivals grew to 1.49 million.
The country's meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector generated $94.7 million in 2025 through 165 international and regional events. Formula 1 could strengthen this existing market by attracting additional international visitors, increasing hotel stays, and boosting demand for local services.
Recent Grand Prix assessments demonstrate potential business scale but also the importance of costs. The Melbourne Grand Prix in Australia in 2025 increased Victoria's gross state product by an estimated AUD 323.9 million, equivalent to approximately $225 million USD, and supported 1,631 full-time equivalent jobs. The Victorian government estimated the event generated an economic effect of $3.08 for every dollar invested by the state.
Singapore offers a long-term comparison. According to Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Singapore Grand Prix generated over S$2.2 billion in additional tourism revenue between its launch in 2008 and 2024, equivalent to approximately $1.72 billion USD at the October 2026 exchange rate. However, the average annual cost of organizing the event was around S$140 million, or approximately $109 million USD, between 2022 and 2025.
South Africa's earlier experience serves as a historical reminder of financial requirements. Kyalami hosted championships in 1992 and 1993, but financial difficulties and the cost of hosting an international event amid currency pressure led to the races leaving. Comparative economic impact assessments from that period are not easily available, making modern data from the host city a more useful benchmark for Rwanda.
According to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA will continue to collaborate with Rwanda to develop the track to international safety and sporting standards while supporting grassroots initiatives such as karting to expand access to motorsport. He noted that the goal is 'to create opportunities for youth across Africa, not just to host an international event on the continent.'
Domenicali stated at the launch: 'For years we have talked about our desire to return, but always said we would return correctly, with the right vision and the right partner. That partner is Rwanda.'
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