F1 to return to Africa for first time since 1993 in Rwanda

Formula One is making its first return to Africa since 1993 with a new agreement to host the African Grand Prix in Rwanda, according to a statement released on Monday. The long-term deal includes a 10-year agreement, with the first race in Rwanda expected once construction of a new circuit in Bugesera is complete, likely in the early 2030s.

The circuit's design aims to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, utilizing elevation changes for a distinctive and demanding racing experience while offering excellent viewing opportunities for fans. This marks a significant milestone for Formula One, as F1 president Stefano Domenicali emphasized, stating that with Rwanda joining the calendar, the sport will race on every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer to fans worldwide.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed Rwanda's pride in hosting the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, highlighting the opportunity to engage more than 100 million fans across Africa, many of them young people who aspire to see the sport at home and aspire to be engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, or even drivers in the future. The decision to host the race in Rwanda has faced criticism from rights groups, who accuse the country, led by long-time president Kagame, of sportswashing – using sports events to enhance its international image.