Rwanda has reportedly moved closer to bringing Formula 1 back to Africa, with plans for a new permanent racing circuit near Kigali and a potential Grand Prix targeted for 2030.
According to RacingNews365, an agreement has reportedly been reached for Rwanda to build a permanent circuit approximately 40 kilometres from Kigali, near Bugesera International Airport. The report says an official announcement could come later this year.
The reported development follows a bid formally announced by President Paul Kagame in December 2024, when Kigali hosted the FIA General Assemblies and Prize Giving Ceremony.
During his address at the event, Kagame announced that Rwanda was bidding to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, thanking F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali for what he described as progress in discussions.
The 2024 FIA gathering was the first FIA General Assembly meeting held in Africa. The four-day event was hosted by Visit Rwanda and the Rwanda Automobile Club, bringing together delegates from the global motorsport community in Kigali.
At the time, Rwanda did not have a circuit capable of hosting a Formula 1 race, making the bid dependent on the development of new infrastructure.
The campaign nevertheless continued. Kagame attended the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and maintained engagement with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Domenicali as Rwanda pursued its plans, according to RacingNews365.
A new circuit near Bugesera
RacingNews365 reports that the proposed permanent circuit would be located near Bugesera International Airport, around 40 kilometres from Kigali.
The reported design is being developed by WurzDesign, founded by former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz. The company is also involved with the Qiddiya Speed Park project in Saudi Arabia alongside Tilke Engineering, according to the report.
A purpose-built circuit would allow Rwanda to develop a venue according to modern Formula 1 safety and infrastructure requirements rather than adapting an existing former Grand Prix circuit.
Africa’s long-awaited F1 return
Formula 1 last raced in Africa at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
Since then, several countries have explored bringing the championship back to the continent. South Africa has pursued potential returns at Kyalami and Cape Town, while Morocco and Nigeria have also been linked to discussions around a future African Grand Prix.
Rwanda’s reported progress therefore represents another development in Formula 1’s long-running search for a return to Africa.
The country has increasingly used international sport as part of its tourism and investment strategy, with Visit Rwanda supporting major sporting and motorsport events and partnerships.
A Formula 1 Grand Prix would potentially bring another global sporting platform to Rwanda, alongside the country’s existing involvement in football, basketball and cycling.
However, the reported agreement is not yet an official confirmation of Rwanda’s place on the Formula 1 calendar. The proposed circuit would still need to be developed and meet the necessary sporting, safety and infrastructure requirements before a race could take place.
If the reported 2030 target is realised, Rwanda would become the first African country to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix since South Africa in 1993, ending a 37-year absence from the continent.
