Rwandan President, Paul Kagame announced on Friday his country’s official bid to host a Formula One race, potentially marking the return of the sport to the African continent.
The announcement was made during the FIA General Assembly in Kigali, ahead of the awards ceremony where Max Verstappen is set to receive the Formula One champion’s trophy for the fourth consecutive year.
Africa has not hosted a Formula One race since the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993. “I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix,” President Kagame said in his opening address. “A big thank you to Stefano [Domenicali, Formula One CEO] and the entire F1 team for the progress in our discussions so far. We are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves, and together, we will build something to be proud of.”
The proposed circuit, designed by a company led by former Formula One driver Alexander Wurz, is expected to be near Bugesera, approximately 40km from Kigali, close to a new international airport under construction.
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed Rwanda’s interest earlier this year, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton also expressed strong support for Africa’s return to the F1 calendar.
“The time is 100% right,” Hamilton said in August. “We can’t continue to add races elsewhere and ignore Africa, which the world has historically taken from without giving back. A Grand Prix here would highlight the continent’s greatness and boost tourism and other opportunities. Why are we not racing on this continent?”
This year’s FIA General Assembly marks the first time the governing body has held the event in Africa. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised Rwanda’s growing influence in motorsport and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and road safety.
“The future of motorsport in Africa is bright,” Ben Sulayem said.
In addition to the Grand Prix discussions, Max Verstappen is engaging in public service activities in Rwanda as part of a disciplinary measure for inappropriate language during the Singapore Grand Prix in October. His work involves the Affordable Cross Car initiative, which supports locally built vehicles using FIA blueprints.
President Kagame, widely credited with leading Rwanda’s recovery after the 1994 genocide, has faced criticism for his government’s handling of dissent and alleged support for the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kagame has consistently denied these accusations.
