For years it was talked about almost as a persistent rumor, something Lewis Hamilton kept bringing up whenever anyone asked about his future—saying he had no intention of stepping away from racing until he had driven a Grand Prix in Africa. Now the deal is signed: Formula One will land in Rwanda in the early 2030s, following a ten-year agreement to host what will be officially called the African Grand Prix presented by Visit Rwanda, on a newly constructed circuit in Bugesera, on the outer edge of Kigali. There is no firm date yet for the inaugural edition, though the target window sits somewhere between 2030 and 2033—four decades since the grid last lined up on African soil at Kyalami.
The formal announcement took place during an event in Kigali attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame alongside Formula One Group president and CEO Stefano Domenicali. “This is Africa’s moment,” Kagame said, “and we are proud that Rwanda will be hosting the Grand Prix. This ten-year partnership is ultimately an investment in our future: the circuit and a new international airport will bring jobs, technical expertise, tourism, and fresh economic activity to our country and the region for decades to come.” The track itself will be designed in collaboration with WurzDesign, the firm founded by former driver Alexander Wurz, alongside Tilke Engineering, responsible for so much of the modern grid. Domenicali called it a watershed moment for the entire sport.
“With Rwanda joining the calendar, Formula One will race on every inhabited continent, but in truth this was always on our horizon: Africa has always belonged to F1’s future, which is why we were determined to return the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment, and a clear vision for real impact. Together with Rwanda, we can generate lasting social and economic value through tourism, investment, and local skill development.”