Formula 1 agrees 10-year deal to bring African Grand Prix back to Rwanda

Formula 1 has agreed a 10-year deal with Rwanda to stage the African Grand Prix, paving the way for the championship’s return to the continent for the first time since 1993.

Announced on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the agreement will see the race, branded, the Formula 1 African Grand Prix and presented by Visit Rwanda, held at a purpose-built circuit planned for Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali, with the inaugural edition expected in the early 2030s.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the agreement, describing Rwanda as the right partner to fulfil the championship’s long-standing ambition of returning to Africa.

“For many years, we have spoken about our desire to return but always said we would return in the right way, with the right vision and the right partners. That partner is Rwanda,” Domenicali said.

The proposed circuit will be developed to meet Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Grade 1 standards, the requirement for hosting Formula 1 races. It is expected to incorporate the area's natural landscape and elevation changes to create a challenging racing experience.

Located near the new Kigali International Airport, the circuit forms part of Rwanda’s broader plans to attract international sporting events, tourism and commercial investment.

Beyond hosting the annual Grand Prix, the venue is intended to operate throughout the year, accommodating other motorsport competitions, conferences, entertainment and major events.

Rwanda’s agreement follows years of efforts to convince Formula 1 management that the country can meet the financial, technical and logistical requirements of hosting a race.

The last Formula 1 World Championship race on African soil was held at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit in 1993, leaving the continent without a Grand Prix for more than three decades.

The deal therefore represents a significant step towards restoring Africa’s place on the championship calendar while strengthening Rwanda’s ambitions to establish itself as a destination for major international sporting events.

However, the inaugural race date, detailed construction milestones and other operational arrangements are yet to be announced.

The return will depend on the completion of the proposed circuit and the supporting infrastructure required to host the championship.

If delivered as planned, the African Grand Prix would mark a historic milestone for Rwanda and Formula 1, bringing the sport back to a continent that has long been absent from its World Championship calendar.