Rwanda is poised to bring Formula 1 back to Africa in 2030, according to a report by motorsport publication RacingNews365 that says an agreement has been reached for the country to host a Grand Prix.
The reported deal would make Rwanda the first African country to host a Formula 1 race since the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993, although Formula 1 has yet to formally announce the agreement.
RacingNews365, citing sources in the Formula 1 paddock, said Tuesday that Rwanda had been selected to host a race from 2030, with an official announcement potentially coming later this year. Reuters also reported the development, while noting that the formal announcement is still pending.
The reported agreement marks a major step in Rwanda’s effort to bring the world’s premier motor racing championship back to the continent after more than three decades.
President Paul Kagame formally announced Rwanda’s bid in December 2024 while opening the FIA General Assembly in Kigali. He said discussions with Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali had made good progress and pledged that Rwanda would approach the project with seriousness and commitment.
Rwanda does not currently have a permanent circuit capable of hosting Formula 1. Under the reported plans, a new circuit would be built about 40 kilometres from Kigali, near Bugesera International Airport.
The circuit is expected to be based on designs by WurzDesign, the company founded by former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz. RacingNews365 said the project would involve a permanent facility rather than adapting an existing road circuit.
The proposed race would come after years of interest from several African countries. South Africa, Morocco and Nigeria have also been linked to efforts to bring Formula 1 back to the continent, but Rwanda’s bid has now emerged as the leading proposal, according to the latest reports.
Formula 1 last raced in Africa in 1993, when Alain Prost won the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. The sport has since expanded its global calendar but has remained absent from the continent.
The prospect of an African return has also been backed by senior figures in the sport, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali said in August that talks over bringing a race back to Africa were progressing well.
If formally confirmed, a 2030 Rwanda Grand Prix would give the country several years to complete the circuit and related infrastructure before Formula 1 returns to Africa.
