Rwanda has for some time expressed interest in hosting one of the world’s biggest motor racing events, Formula One, which has not held a race in Africa for more than three decades.
The bid was strongly backed by President Paul Kagame in 2024, when Rwanda became the first African country to host the General Assembly of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
In 2025, President Kagame held further talks with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who supports Rwanda’s bid, as well as Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, as discussions on the project continued.
Rwanda is not the only African country seeking to bring Formula One back to the continent. Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa have also expressed interest in hosting a race.
RacingNews365, a publication covering motorsport, reported that Rwanda’s negotiations have reached an encouraging stage and that details of a partnership between the two sides could be announced before the end of this year.
The proposed agreement could include Rwanda being added to the 2030 Formula One calendar, making it one of the countries hosting races during that season.
Reports indicate that a purpose-built and permanent racing circuit could be constructed around 40 kilometres from Kigali, near the new Kigali International Airport being developed in Bugesera District.
The circuit could potentially be designed by former Formula One driver and renowned racing-circuit designer Alexander Wurz, through his company WurzDesign.
Formula One is the premier category of single-seater motor racing and is considered the highest level of competition in the sport, largely because of its speed, advanced technology and global following.
The championship is contested through a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on purpose-built circuits or on public roads that are temporarily closed for racing.
Points are awarded to drivers and teams based on their performance in each race, with the driver and constructor accumulating the most points over the season crowned champions.
