Rwanda has signed a 10-year agreement to host a Formula One Grand Prix, marking the first time the sport returns to Africa since 1993. The event is scheduled to take place in the early 2030s. The deal was announced on October 13, 2026, during a press conference in Kigali. The race will be held at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, a district near the capital. The announcement was made by the Formula One organization, which confirmed the event will be part of the global racing calendar.
The agreement comes as part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to boost sports tourism and attract international investment. President Paul Kagame emphasized that the move reflects Africa’s growing role in global motorsport. He stated that African nations should take a more active part in shaping the future of the sport. The event is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including increased tourism and job creation.
This marks a historic moment for Formula One, which last raced in Africa at the South African Grand Prix in 1993. The return to the continent is seen as a strategic move to expand the sport’s reach and visibility. The new circuit in Rwanda is designed to meet international standards and will be one of the most advanced in Africa. The project is expected to be completed in time for the first race in the early 2030s. The event will also serve as a platform for promoting Rwanda’s infrastructure and development achievements.
