Rwanda Makes Official Bid to Bring Formula 1 Racing Back to Africa
Rwanda is actively negotiating with Formula 1 to bring a grand prix to Africa, as confirmed by President Paul Kagame during the FIA General Assembly in Kigali.
F1 cars racing at Suzuka
The bid represents F1's push to become truly global, addressing the current gap in African representation on the racing calendar. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has consistently emphasized the importance of adding an African race to complement existing events across other continents.
Rwanda has demonstrated its readiness through significant sports infrastructure investments, including:
- BK Arena (host of NBA Africa League finals)
- Renovated Amphora Stadium
- Future Zaria Courts Complex
President Kagame emphasized that Rwanda's approach extends beyond physical infrastructure, focusing on developing a complete sports ecosystem that benefits both the economy and local community. The initiative aims to create new jobs through hospitality, recreation, and restaurant developments.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem endorsed Rwanda's motorsport aspirations, highlighting the nation's alignment with FIA's core values in innovation, sustainability, and road safety. The announcement precedes the FIA Prize Giving ceremony, marking a significant milestone in African motorsport development.
The project represents Rwanda's commitment to hosting world-class sporting events while maintaining high-quality standards in implementation and infrastructure development.