Formula 1 has confirmed one of the biggest calendar announcements in years. The sport has signed a 10-year agreement to bring the FIA Formula One World Championship back to Africa, with the new Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, set to join the calendar in the early 2030s.
It will be the first time F1 has raced on the continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. Once the new race is on the calendar, Formula 1 will race on every inhabited continent.
A purpose-built circuit in Bugesera
The race will be held at a new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of the capital, Kigali. The site sits right next to the new Kigali International Airport, so getting there should be easy for fans travelling from abroad.
The track will be built to FIA Grade 1 standards. It is being designed around the area’s natural elevation changes, which should give drivers a challenging layout and give fans great views of the action. The venue is also planned as a year-round destination that will host motorsport, major events, conferences and entertainment outside of race weekends.
The first race will take place once the circuit is finished. The exact date of the first Grand Prix hasn’t been confirmed yet, and more details are expected in due course.
Why Rwanda, and why now
Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula 1 fans. In key Sub-Saharan markets, almost 60% of them are under 35, so this is a young and fast-growing audience.
Rwanda also has a strong record of hosting major global events. These include the UCI Road World Championships, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the Basketball Africa League, and the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and Awards Ceremony.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali called it “a landmark moment for Formula 1”, adding: “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.”
Rwandan President Paul Kagame was just as clear about what the race means: “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.”
More than a race weekend
The partnership goes beyond the racing itself. Formula 1, the Government of Rwanda and the Rwanda Development Board want the Grand Prix to boost tourism, bring in investment, develop local talent and create opportunities for businesses and communities across the region.
For travelling fans, it means a new bucket-list destination. You’ll get world-class racing alongside the chance to explore one of Africa’s most exciting countries.
Experience Formula 1 in style
The African Grand Prix is still a few years away, but you don’t have to wait to enjoy F1 at its best. From Silverstone to Monaco, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, Hospitality Finder offers premium hospitality packages at some of the most iconic races on the calendar. Choose from paddock-side suites, fine dining and exclusive trackside views.
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Follow our blog for more Formula 1 news, race guides and hospitality inspiration as the African Grand Prix gets closer.
