Formula 1 is set to return to the African continent for the first time in nearly four decades. President Stefano Domenicali has officially announced a decade-long partnership to stage the African Grand Prix in Rwanda, beginning in the early 2030s. This agreement marks a significant milestone for the sport, successfully concluding nearly 10 years of efforts by Liberty Media to bring F1 back to Africa since acquiring the series in 2017. Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali hailed the new deal to take the sport back to Africa – ending an absence of nearly 40 years – as a “landmark” achievement.
Rwanda secured the deal by presenting a singular, cohesive project with clear financial backing. This strategy proved more effective than attempts by other nations; Morocco struggled with funding, while South Africa faced challenges due to having multiple competing proposals across different regions, including Cape Town. For F1 organizers, managing such fragmented interests within an already dense race calendar was not feasible.
The new circuit is currently being constructed in Bugesera, located 25 miles south of Kigali. Plans for the site extend beyond motorsport; it is part of a broader development initiative situated near a new international airport. The project includes extensive infrastructure, such as hotels, residential zones, entertainment venues, sports science facilities, and an innovation hub.
Although the location remains a greenfield site, industry insiders are confident that construction will meet the required standards by 2030. During the announcement in Kigali, Domenicali appeared alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to frame the development as a landmark achievement for the sport’s global legacy.
Domenicali praised the nation’s vision and resilience, describing Rwanda as a world-class success story capable of overcoming historical challenges. He emphasized the country’s transformation into a hub for international investment and opportunity, noting that the project demonstrates a nation filled with ambition and creativity.
While the deal is celebrated by racing executives and supported by figures like Lewis Hamilton, who has long advocated for an African race, the partnership is expected to draw scrutiny. Critics have previously accused Rwanda of engaging in sportswashing, a concern that continues to follow the nation’s high-profile international sporting investments.
Despite potential controversy, the deal serves as a cornerstone of Domenicali’s leadership strategy. The project underscores F1’s intent to expand its footprint in emerging markets, with the race likely serving as a centerpiece for future economic and tourism growth in the region.
