For nearly three decades, the roar of Formula 1 engines has been silent across the African continent. While Formula 1 races across many continents, Africa had not hosted a Grand Prix since 1993. That isolation dates back to the 1993 South African Grand Prix, the last time the World Championship competed on the continent. Now, that historical silence is officially broken. Formula 1 and the government of Rwanda have announced a ten-year deal to host a brand-new African Grand Prix, a move that marks the sport's return to the continent for the first time in over thirty years.
The announcement landed in Kigali on October 22, 2026, confirming a partnership that will see the sport race in the country for a decade. The new event is not taking place on a traditional purpose-built strip of asphalt, but rather on a natural road course located in Bugesera. The circuit is currently under construction and is designed by former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz and his design company. Wurz’s layout aims to leverage Rwanda's characteristic hilly terrain. The infrastructure needs to be completed before the race can begin, with the debut targeted for the early 2030s, possibly as early as 2030.
Stefano Domenicali framed the announcement as a geographical milestone. “Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1,” Domenicali stated. “With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to fans around the globe.” This claim highlights F1's goal to race on every inhabited continent. By securing a place in Rwanda, Formula 1 adds a race in Africa, completing its presence on all inhabited continents.
” This claim highlights F1's goal to race on every inhabited continent.
#sportsfocus Nyuma y'imyaka 33, Formula 1 igarutse muri Afrika, izabera mu Rwanda mu ntangiriro za 2030,yaherukaga muri Afrika mu 1993 ibera muri Afrika y'Epfo Rwanda will host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix for 10 years from 2030. The agreement marks Formula 1’s return to Africa for the first time in 33 years, following the last race held in South Africa in 1993. #fyp
For Rwanda, the deal brings economic and social benefits, including job creation and youth engagement in motorsport. “Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa,” Kagame said. The figure of more than 100 million fans reflects the potential audience across Africa. The event aligns with Rwanda's Visit Rwanda tourism brand and its goals for regional development.