NewzFormula One will return to Africa in the early 2030s, with Rwanda set to host the African Grand Prix under a 10-year agreement that ends the continent's absence from the world cham... Formula One (F1) will return to Africa for the first time in nearly four decades after announcing a landmark 10-year agreement to stage the African Grand Prix in Rwanda, ending the continent’s long wait to rejoin the world championship calendar. While an F1 Grand Prix in Africa will be welcomed, some South African fans will be devastated that the high-octane sport won’t be hosted in South Africa, particularly at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand.
Reacting to last week’s development that Rwanda may edge South Africa to the finish line, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie took to X to congratulate Rwanda on securing the race. They have worked on it longer than SA and deserve it. Remember, though, that one country, Italy, has had two F1s a year, and some react like a continent of 55 countries can only get one.
SA will get F1, even before 2030,” McKenzie wrote. F1 on Tuesday confirmed that the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, will debut in the early 2030s once a new FIA Grade 1 circuit in Bugesera, about 40km south of Kigali, is completed. Agreement The agreement marks F1’s first race on African soil since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami and will see the championship compete on every inhabited continent.
Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali described the deal as a defining moment for the sport. “Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1. With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to fans around the globe.” Returning to Africa Domenicali said F1 had spent years working towards a return to Africa, insisting it was determined to do so with the right long-term partner and vision.
“Africa has always been part of Formula 1’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.” New circuit The new circuit will form part of a broader infrastructure, tourism and commercial development project led by the Rwanda Development Board. Situated near the country’s new international airport, the track is expected to harness the area’s natural elevation changes to create a unique racing challenge while offerin… Rwanda will host Africa’s first Formula One Grand Prix since 1993 in “the early 2030s” after the circuit announced a decade-long deal with the country on Tuesday.
The East African nation has been chasing a Grand Prix race for years, having already used football, basketball and other sports to enhance its image and attract investment. President Paul Kagame formally announced the bid when Rwanda hosted a gathering of the FIA in December 2024. The last time an F1 race was held in Africa was the 33rd South African Grand Prix, won by Alain Prost 33 years ago.
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