Rwanda agrees 10-year deal to stage Formula 1 African Grand Prix
Formula 1 and the Government of Rwanda announced on 13 October 2026 a 10-year agreement to bring the FIA Formula One World Championship back to Africa, with the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, set to join the calendar in the early 2030s.
The deal will see the first race held in Rwanda once a new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera has been completed, a project expected to be finished early in the next decade and developed to FIA Grade 1 standards as part of a wider sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development led by the Rwanda Development Board. The announcement states the return marks the first time the World Championship will race on the African continent since 1993 and follows years of collaboration intended to establish a sustainable, world-class event.
Organisers say the Bugesera circuit will sit approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali, adjacent to the new Kigali International Airport, and will be designed to work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area’s elevation changes to create a distinct racing layout and "exceptional viewing opportunities for fans." The venue is planned to operate year-round, capable of hosting international motorsport, major events, conferences and entertainment and to help drive long-term economic growth and investment across the region.
Formula 1 described the agreement as part of its strategy to expand global reach, noting Africa represents a significant growth opportunity with "more than 100 million fans already following Formula 1 across the continent" and "almost 60% of fans in key Sub-Saharan African markets under the age of 35." The announcement also cites Rwanda’s recent record of hosting major international gatherings, including the UCI Road World Championships, the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the Basketball Africa League, the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and the FIA Awards Ceremony.
His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, commented on the agreement and its aims for the country and region. "Today belongs to Africa." "This ten-year partnership is also an investment in Rwanda’s future." "I thank Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 and Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the work that has brought us to this day."
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the return of the championship to Africa and set out the FIA’s role in circuit development. "The return of the FIA Formula One World Championship to Africa is a historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport." "I congratulate President Paul Kagame on this landmark moment for his nation and share my thanks with Stefano Domenicali and all those whose collaboration has made this exciting new chapter possible."
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali framed the partnership as more than a race hosting agreement and spoke of economic and social aims tied to the event. "Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1." "This is about much more than hosting a Grand Prix. Together, we can create lasting economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development and local business growth, ensuring the positive impact of this event is felt for generations."
Further details regarding the inaugural race date, circuit development milestones and race weekend plans will be announced in due course.