F1 set for return to Africa under ‘landmark’ new agreement

Formula 1 is preparing to make its return to Africa in 2025, with a new race set to take place in Rwanda. This marks the first time the sport will compete on the continent since 1993. The agreement between Formula 1 and the Rwanda government outlines a ten-year plan for the development of a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometers south of Kigali.

The circuit will be designed to blend with the natural landscape, utilizing the terrain for a challenging yet thrilling racing experience. The upcoming Kigali International Airport, slated for completion in 2028, will provide easy access to the venue.

F1's return to Africa represents a significant step in the sport's global expansion, with more than 100 million fans already following Formula 1 worldwide. Around 60% of these fans in key Sub-Saharan African markets are under the age of 35, indicating a growing interest in the sport among younger demographics. The FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, described the return as a "historic moment," emphasizing the potential for motorsport to grow and inspire new generations in Africa.

F1 President Stefano Domenicali echoed this sentiment, calling the new race a "landmark moment" for the sport, as F1 will race in every inhabited continent for the first time. The agreement not only aims to create a world-class racing event but also to generate economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development, and local business growth.