Amanze Chinonye
Rwanda has secured a 10-year agreement to host a Formula One Grand Prix in the early 2030s, paving the way for the championship’s return to Africa for the first time since 1993.
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“It is an honour and privilege for Rwanda to be chosen as the destination in the Formula 1 calendar,” Rwandan President Paul Kagame said.
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The race will be held on a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 40 km south of the capital, Kigali, near a new international airport under development. Formula One and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced the agreement on Tuesday but did not specify a date for the inaugural race.
The circuit is planned to meet FIA Grade One standards, which are required to host Formula One races. Austrian former racing driver Alex Wurz and circuit-design firm Tilke are involved in its design. The project also envisages a multipurpose venue for concerts, exhibitions and other events outside race weekends.
Rwanda hopes the event will attract tourists and investment, create jobs and develop local expertise. The Rwanda Development Board said the proposed venue would accommodate about 100,000 spectators, although construction and associated infrastructure will be required before the race can take place.
Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali said the agreement would support the championship’s expansion in Africa, where the sport has sought to strengthen its presence. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly called for Formula One to return to the continent.
The last Formula One race in Africa was held at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit in 1993. Morocco hosted the championship in 1958, making Rwanda a potential third African host country. South Africa has also explored proposals to return to the calendar.
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The agreement has drawn criticism from human rights campaigners. Amnesty International accused Formula One of helping Rwanda improve its international image while overlooking allegations of arbitrary detention, torture and restrictions on freedom of expression. Rwanda has also faced allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Rwandan government did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the criticism. Formula One has defended the potential for sport to have a positive impact across the continent.
Rwanda has used international sporting partnerships to promote tourism and investment, including sponsorship arrangements with European football clubs and its hosting of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.
The Formula One agreement extends that strategy, although the race will depend on the completion of the circuit and supporting infrastructure.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
