Formula 1 agrees 10-year deal to bring African Grand Prix back to Rwanda

Formula 1 has locked in a 10-year pact with Rwanda, allowing the sport to stage its first African Grand Prix since 1993. The deal, unveiled on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, will see the championship return to the continent for the first time in over three decades. The race, known as the Formula 1 African Grand Prix and presented by Visit Rwanda, will take place at a custom-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometers south of Kigali.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali announced the agreement, hailing Rwanda as the ideal partner to fulfill the championship's long-standing ambition of returning to Africa. "For many years, we have spoken about our desire to return but always said we would return in the right way, with the right vision and the right partners. That partner is Rwanda," Domenicali stated.

The proposed circuit will be built to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, ensuring it can host Formula 1 races. It will also incorporate the region's natural landscape and elevation changes to create a thrilling racing experience. Situated near the new Kigali International Airport, the circuit will serve as a hub for various motorsport events, conferences, entertainment, and major gatherings throughout the year.

Rwanda's agreement comes after years of negotiations, with the nation demonstrating its ability to meet the financial, technical, and logistical demands of hosting a race. The absence of a Formula 1 World Championship race on African soil since 1993 at South Africa's Kyalami circuit underscores the significance of this deal. It marks a major step towards restoring Africa's presence on the championship calendar and solidifying Rwanda's aspirations to become a premier destination for high-profile international sporting events.

However, specific details regarding the inaugural race date, construction milestones, and other operational arrangements remain to be disclosed. The success of the African Grand Prix hinges on the completion of the proposed circuit and the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the championship. If all goes according to plan, the event would represent a historic moment for Rwanda and Formula 1, bringing the sport back to a continent that has long been absent from its World Championship schedule.