KIGALI, Rwanda — Rwanda has signed a 10 year agreement to host a Formula One Grand Prix from the early 2030s, marking the sport’s return to the African continent for the first time in nearly four decades, Formula One announced on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The agreement represents a major step in Rwanda’s efforts to establish itself as a destination for international sporting events. Formula One last held a race in Africa in 1993 at the Kyalami circuit, north of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali announced the agreement during a press conference in Kigali attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and International Automobile Federation (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“Today is a landmark moment for Formula One,” Domenicali said, describing Africa’s return to the championship as an important development for the sport’s global expansion.
He added that Rwanda’s inclusion in the calendar would enable Formula One to race on every inhabited continent, bringing the championship closer to fans worldwide.
“Africa has always been part of Formula One’s future, and from the beginning we were determined to return in the right way, with the right partner, a long term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact,” Domenicali said.
Rwanda plans to build a purpose-built racing circuit
President Kagame announced Rwanda’s bid to host a Formula One race two years ago, outlining plans to construct a purpose built racing circuit near the new international airport under development in Bugesera District, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali.
The proposed circuit is expected to meet the FIA’s Grade One requirements, the highest circuit classification required to host Formula One races. Construction is expected to be completed in the early 2030s, ahead of the country’s anticipated debut on the championship calendar.
The project is expected to support Rwanda’s broader ambitions to attract international investment, expand tourism and strengthen its position as a host of major sporting competitions.
Domenicali said the partnership with Rwanda goes beyond staging a Grand Prix, highlighting the potential economic and social benefits associated with tourism and investment.
Rwanda set to bring Formula One back to Africa
Formula One, which began its world championship in 1950, has previously held races in two African countries. Morocco hosted a championship race outside Casablanca in 1958, while South Africa hosted the sport’s most recent African Grand Prix in 1993.
Rwanda’s planned entry would therefore make it the third African country to host a round of the championship.
Domenicali also highlighted the continent’s growing fan base, saying Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula One fans, with the number continuing to rise rapidly.
The 10 year agreement signals a long term commitment to bringing the championship back to Africa, while positioning Rwanda to welcome international motorsport fans, teams and investors.
