Formula 1 Returns to Africa via Rwanda, and Ben Sulayem Says the Continent Could Follow the Middle East

The FIA and Formula 1 have announced a historic 10-year agreement returning the Formula 1 World Championship to Africa for the first time since 1993, through a new African Grand Prix hosted by Rwanda and due on the calendar from 2030. Commenting on the announcement, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the Middle East’s motorsport journey over the past two decades is a model Africa can follow.

A 10-year deal and a new circuit in Bugesera

The new race is sponsored by Visit Rwanda, and the first event will be held once a dedicated circuit in the Bugesera district is completed, expected early in the next decade. The announcement crowns years of joint work to lay the right foundations for a successful, sustainable, world-class grand prix. The circuit will be designed to FIA Grade 1 standards as part of a comprehensive development project led by the Rwanda Development Board covering sport, tourism, infrastructure and commerce.

African Grand Prix at a glance

Race	Formula 1 African Grand Prix
Host country	Rwanda
Deal length	10 years
On the calendar	From 2030
Circuit location	Bugesera district, about 40 km south of Kigali
Circuit grade	FIA Grade 1
Last F1 race in Africa	1993
Sponsor	Visit Rwanda

Ben Sulayem: a historic moment for our sport

Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the championship’s return to Africa as “a historic moment for our sport and an important step in the continued global growth of motorsport”, noting that Rwanda has shown strong commitment to staging a world-class event and that the FIA will work closely with Formula 1 and partners to ensure the circuit is developed to the highest international standards. He stressed that the agreement is also about building a sustainable legacy, inspiring new generations and developing talent, with broader access and participation central to the FIA’s mission.

From Bahrain to Rwanda: the Middle East model

The FIA President sees parallels between the path that turned the Middle East into a major force in global motorsport and the opportunities ahead for Africa. The region hosted its first Formula 1 race at the 2004 Bahrain Grand Prix, and its success paved the way for Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to invest at the top of motorsport. Ben Sulayem said few regions have embraced international motorsport with the ambition seen in the Middle East, and that this has not gone unnoticed in Africa; while much work remains, Rwanda’s hosting could have a huge impact on how the continent views grand prix racing and motorsport in general.

A natural-terrain circuit and a year-round venue

The circuit sits next to the new Kigali International Airport, and its design will follow the site’s natural terrain, using elevation changes to deliver a challenging race with great spectator viewpoints. Beyond racing, the venue will host international motorsport events, conferences, major events and entertainment all year round. The FIA, the Government of Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board and Formula 1 share a vision to support tourism, attract investment, develop local talent and create new opportunities for communities and businesses.

Formula 1’s return to Africa after more than three decades is a turning point in the championship’s history — and the Gulf’s experience, from Bahrain to Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, now looks like a reference for the continent as it builds its place in global motorsport.

Source: FIA press release.