{
  "id": 14269270,
  "title": "Formula 1 to return to Africa with Rwanda Grand Prix in early 2030s",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/formula-1-to-return-to-africa-with-rwanda-grand-prix-in-early-2030s",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T18:31:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/formula-1-to-return-to-africa-with-rwanda-grand-prix-in-early-2030s/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Formula 1 will once again race on African soil after signing a 10-year deal to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix in Rwanda during the early 2030s. The race, promoted by Visit Rwanda, will take place at a purpose-built track in Bugesera, located 40 kilometers south of Kigali. The agreement was made public on Tuesday, October 13, with the circuit set to be finished early in the upcoming decade. The track will be designed to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, the top requirement for hosting Formula 1 races, as part of a larger initiative overseen by the Rwanda Development Board. Situated near the new Kigali International Airport, the circuit will take advantage of the region's natural topography and elevation changes to present a demanding racing environment. Beyond Formula 1, the venue is anticipated to accommodate other motorsport events, large gatherings, conferences, and entertainment activities. F1 last competed on the African continent at South Africa's Kyalami circuit in 1993, making Rwanda's return a significant advance for the sport's global reach. F1's president and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, referred to the agreement as a milestone for the sport, stating that Africa has always been part of Formula 1's future and that the team was determined to return with a robust partner, a long-term commitment, and a clear strategy for generating meaningful impact. Domenicali highlighted that the project aims to benefit beyond the race weekend through tourism, investment, skills development, and opportunities for local businesses. Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized that the agreement would enable African fans to experience the sport on the continent while providing young people with opportunities to pursue careers in engineering, technology, entrepreneurship, and potentially driving. Kagame added that the ten-year partnership represented an investment in Rwanda's future, with the track and airport expected to generate jobs, promote tourism, and stimulate business development. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also expressed his support for the deal, describing the return of Formula 1 to Africa as a historic moment. He stated that the FIA would collaborate with Formula 1 and its partners to ensure the new circuit adheres to international standards while fostering motorsport talent throughout the continent. Additional information, such as the inaugural race date, construction milestones, and race-weekend plans, is anticipated to be released in due course. Once the race commences, Africa will become the last inhabited continent represented on the Formula 1 calendar, following South Africa.",
  "summary": "Formula 1 will return to Africa for the first time since 1993 after signing a 10-year agreement with Rwanda to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix in the early 2030s.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "F1 set to return to Africa for first time in three decades",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/f1-set-to-return-to-africa-for-first-time-in-three-decades",
        "published": "2026-10-13T13:29:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}