Rwanda Closes in on Deal to Host Africa’s First F1 Grand Prix in 33 Years, Ahead of South Africa and Nigeria

Rwanda is set to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, bringing the sport back to Africa for the first time in 33 years as the East African country intensifies efforts to attract tourists, investors and global attention through major sporting events.

Government sources and individuals close to the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), said that Rwanda’s bid had been approved, although a formal announcement had yet to be made, AFP reported.

“Rwanda’s bid to host the Formula 1 race has been greenlit, an agreement has been reached,” a government official said. Another source close to the FIA said an announcement was expected in Kigali the following week, with Qatar supporting the project.

Rwanda’s F1 ambitions

President Paul Kagame formally announced Rwanda’s bid in December 2024, when the country hosted an FIA gathering. Rwanda has since pursued plans to secure a place on the global motorsport calendar.

The development could also please seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has repeatedly called for Formula 1 to return to Africa. Hamilton backed Rwanda’s ambitions in 2024 and described the country as one of his favourite places.

Rwanda has increasingly turned to sports as a tool for international promotion, securing sponsorship deals with football clubs Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, partnering with the NBA to develop basketball in Africa and hosting the 2025 cycling world championships.

The country’s sporting ambitions have also attracted criticism, with opponents accusing the government of using high-profile events and sponsorships to improve its international image while concerns persist over human rights and restrictions on political opposition.

African countries eye F1

Rwanda is not alone in seeking to bring Formula 1 back to the continent. Nigeria has appointed Opus Racing Promotions to engage with Formula One Management and the FIA over a proposed race in Abuja, reportedly part of a $500 million project.

South Africa is also pursuing a return, drawing on its history of hosting 23 Formula 1 World Championship races between 1962 and 1993.

Business Insider Africa previously reported that a consortium led by former Sibanye-Stillwater executive chairman Neal Froneman is exploring a R6.7 billion ($402 million) motorsport and property development in the Western Cape that could bring F1 back to the country by 2031.

South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has said Rwanda’s progress should not end his country’s ambitions, arguing that South Africa could still host a race before 2030.

Source: africa.businessinsider.com