Rwanda signs 10-year deal to host Formula 1’s return to Africa
publishers 52articles 67first reported 13 Oct, 09:35 UTCdeveloping since 13 Oct · 10 editions
Rwanda has signed a 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s, bringing Formula 1 back to the continent for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
The race will take place after completion of a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali and near Rwanda’s new international airport. The first event could be held as early as 2030. Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced the agreement alongside Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Domenicali called the agreement a “landmark moment” that would take Formula 1 to every inhabited continent. Kagame described it as a milestone for African motorsport fans. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has previously supported an African race and backed Rwanda’s bid in 2024.
The Democratic Republic of Congo condemned the decision. Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner said hosting the race in Rwanda would help improve Kagame’s image amid conflict in eastern DRC. The DRC, United States and United Nations experts have accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels there; Rwanda denies the allegations and says its security measures address threats from armed groups across the border.
South Africa had also sought a place on the Formula 1 calendar. Its sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, said the country would continue pursuing a race and could secure one before 2030.
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Written from 8 articles, 4 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 60 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
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