Rwanda Secures 10-Year Formula 1 Deal for African Grand Prix in Early 2030s

Rwanda has secured a 10-year agreement to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the early 2030s, ending the sport’s absence from Africa since 1993 and adding a new motorsport venue to the country’s tourism and infrastructure development plans.

The Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, will be held at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali, once construction is complete. The track will be developed to Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Grade 1 standards, the highest certification required to host Formula 1 races.

The circuit will be built near the new Kigali International Airport as part of a development project led by the Rwanda Development Board. Beyond hosting the annual race, the venue is intended to accommodate international motorsport competitions, conferences, entertainment and other major events.

Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali said the agreement would bring the championship closer to its African audience, which the sport estimates at more than 100 million fans across the continent.

“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,” Domenicali said.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame described the agreement as an investment in the country’s future, pointing to the potential for employment, skills development, tourism and business opportunities linked to the circuit and airport.

The government aims to use the race to strengthen Rwanda’s position as a destination for international sporting events and business gatherings. The country has hosted events including the 2023 FIFA Congress, the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and the UCI Road World Championships.

The financial terms of the 10-year agreement, including the cost of hosting the race, the circuit’s construction budget and the division of expenses between the government and Formula 1, were not disclosed in the announcement.

The project will require the completion of a circuit meeting Formula 1’s technical and safety requirements before the championship can race in Rwanda. The organisers have not announced a specific inaugural race date, saying the event is expected to begin in the early 2030s.

The return to Africa forms part of Formula 1’s efforts to expand its international audience. The sport says almost 60 percent of its fans in key sub-Saharan African markets are under 35, making the continent a significant target for audience growth.

Source: FSX Business News