Formula 1 is officially returning to Africa.
In a landmark announcement today, F1 confirmed a 10-year agreement for Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s, marking the sport's first race on the continent since 1993.
The race will be billed as the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda — a title confirmed on stage in Kigali today with F1 branding and Visit Rwanda signage.
The Details
Rwanda will host a Formula One race from the early 2030s in a 10-year deal, F1 said in a statement on Tuesday. Formula One has not raced in Africa since the last South African Grand Prix was held at Kyalami in 1993.
The deal will see a brand-new, purpose-built FIA Grade 1 circuit constructed in Bugesera, a district about 25 miles south of the capital, Kigali. The circuit will be situated near the new Kigali International Airport and is expected to be completed early in the 2030s.
While F1 has not locked in an inaugural date, the first edition could be held as early as 2030, depending on when construction is completed.
The project is a collaboration between Tilke engineers, DAR and former F1 driver Alex Wurz, who is chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association and is leading circuit design.
What They Said
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali made the announcement alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali.
"Africa has always been part of Formula One's future," Domenicali said, citing a long-term commitment and clear vision for meaningful impact. He added that F1 had always said it would return to Africa "in the right way, with the right vision and the right partner" — identifying that partner as Rwanda.
President Kagame called the partnership "long overdue but a success and a milestone for the entire continent, especially for the African fans," saying it is based on a shared conviction that Africa has the potential to elevate motorsport as a global and elite discipline.
The announcement was confirmed across official channels, with Formula 1 posting its signature BREAKING graphic — Rwandan flag over Kigali — with the text "AFRICAN GRAND PRIX CONFIRMED FOR RWANDA."
Why It Matters
This ends a 33-year absence for the continent. The last African race was the 1993 South African Grand Prix. For years, fans and drivers — including Lewis Hamilton — have pushed for a return to Africa.
Rwanda beat out a strong push to revive South Africa's Kyalami circuit, which is already FIA Grade 1 certified. The choice has sparked massive debate online, with celebrations of Africa's return mixed with fierce discussion over why Rwanda was chosen over South Africa, infrastructure costs, and the sport's growing footprint via Visit Rwanda.
Construction in Bugesera is set to begin ahead of final FIA homologation, with more details on the track layout expected in 2027.
Africa, we're back.