Key facts
- Formula 1 will return to Africa after a 40-year absence with a 10-year deal to race in Rwanda.
- The Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, is set to join the calendar in the early 2030s.
- A new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, Rwanda, will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards.
- The circuit is located approximately 40 kilometers south of Kigali, adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport.
- The project aims to create lasting economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, and skills development.
Formula 1 is set to return to Africa for the first time in four decades after securing a 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix in Rwanda. The race is slated to join the F1 calendar in the early 2030s, contingent on the completion of a new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera.
The new track, designed to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, will be situated approximately 40 kilometers south of the capital city, Kigali, and adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport. The circuit's design aims to integrate with the natural landscape, utilizing elevation changes to create a challenging racing experience with enhanced viewing opportunities.
Beyond race weekends, the venue is envisioned as a year-round destination for various events, intended to stimulate long-term economic growth and investment across the region. This expansion into Africa aligns with F1's strategy to broaden its global reach, targeting the continent's significant and young fan base, with over 100 million followers and nearly 60% under 35 in key Sub-Saharan markets.
Rwanda has a track record of hosting major international events, including the UCI Road World Championships and the Basketball Africa League. The F1 Grand Prix is positioned as the next step in the country's ambition to become a global hub for sports, tourism, innovation, and business. The initiative is designed to generate substantial economic and social impact, fostering local talent development and creating opportunities for communities and businesses.