Formula 1 has officially confirmed its return to the African continent after a 33-year absence, securing a landmark 10-year agreement with the government of Rwanda to stage the African Grand Prix.
The historic announcement was made in Kigali by Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The last Formula 1 World Championship race held on African soil was the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. With Rwanda joining the global race calendar, Formula 1 will now compete across every inhabited continent.
State-of-the-Art Circuit in Bugesera
The race will take place at a new, purpose-built permanent facility located in Bugesera, roughly 40 kilometers south of Kigali and adjacent to the under-construction Kigali International Airport.
"Today belongs to Africa. For more than three decades, the world's premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement. Our aim was never a single race weekend, but a lasting benefit for our people," stated President Paul Kagame.
[ Bugesera Motodrome ] ➔ [ FIA Grade 1 Certification ] ➔ [ 10-Year African GP Hosting ]
The circuit development features several high-level technical specifications:
World-Class Track Design: Designed jointly by Tilke Engineers & Architects and Wurz Design (led by former F1 driver Alex Wurz), utilizing natural rolling elevation changes.
High-Altitude Dynamics: Located 1,500 meters above sea level, the circuit will present unique aerodynamic and engine performance challenges second only to Mexico City.
“F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and President Paul Kagame have announced a historic 10-year deal to host the African Grand Prix on a purpose-built circuit near Kigali, ending the sport's three-decade absence from the continent.”
Grassroots & Tourism Complex: The facility masterplan includes a dedicated karting academy, off-road driving centers, and year-round conference venues.
Long-Term Regional Economic Impact
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali underscored that the long-term partnership fulfills the sport's ambition to reconnect with African motorsport fans while driving regional investment.
"Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1. With Rwanda joining the calendar, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to fans around the globe," noted Domenicali.
Timeline & Completion: While construction timelines target early-stage milestones alongside the completion of the adjacent international airport, official debut race dates will be confirmed following FIA track homologation.
STEM & Local Capacity: The project aims to generate engineering, technical, and hospitality opportunities for Rwandan youth and regional logistics suppliers.
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How we reported this
Synthesized directly from official Formula 1 media releases, FIA statements, and joint press conference disclosures in Kigali.
