Rwanda has launched an ambitious $1.2 billion project to bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time in more than three decades. If successful, the country will make history as the first Sub-Saharan African nation to host a modern F1 Grand Prix, reigniting motorsport on the continent since South Africa’s last race at Kyalami in 1993.
At the heart of the plan is a state-of-the-art F1 circuit to be built near the new Bugesera International Airport, about 40 kilometers from Kigali. The track will be designed by Test and Training International, led by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz, and built to FIA Grade One standards, the highest certification required for Formula 1. The location ensures seamless access for racing teams, media, and international fans, while also aligning with Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional tourism and logistics hub.
Rwanda’s tourism industry is already one of Africa’s fastest growing, earning $620 million in 2023. Officials expect an F1 Grand Prix to accelerate this trajectory, drawing global visitors and spotlighting Rwanda on the world stage. With F1 broadcast to more than 400 million viewers per season, the event offers Rwanda unprecedented visibility. Beyond prestige, the project is expected to generate thousands of jobs, expand infrastructure, and boost the hospitality sector. “Africa is a crucial market for motorsport’s future,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who voiced strong support for Rwanda’s bid.
Africa has been absent from the F1 calendar since 1993, despite periodic talks of a return. While South Africa and Zanzibar explored bids, Rwanda’s government-backed and fully financed proposal has made it the frontrunner. The alignment between national leadership, engineering expertise, and FIA support gives Rwanda’s project momentum rarely seen in international motorsport planning.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the first race targeted for 2027 or 2028. The circuit is designed as a multi-purpose venue, hosting not only F1 but also automotive expos, tourism fairs, and youth training programs in engineering and event management. For Rwanda, the Grand Prix is not just about racing but is also a catalyst for economic transformation, branding the nation as a bold new player in high-performance industries.
Kigali is signalling that Africa is ready to rejoin the global motorsport map. If realized, the Rwandan Grand Prix will revive F1 in Africa and inspire other nations to invest in world-class sporting infrastructure. The world is now watching Kigali not just for its green hills and resilient spirit, but as the next potential stop on the globe-trotting Formula 1 calendar.