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Rwanda Set to Host New African Grand Prix on Stunning Circuit by 2030

Formula 1 is set to bring the World Championship back to Africa for the first time since 1993. The new race is planned for as early as 2030, featuring a purpose-built circuit in Rwanda. This track will be located in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali, nestled within the natural Sub-Saharan landscape.

A Long-Awaited Return

The African Grand Prix's return marks a major step in Formula 1’s efforts to broaden its global reach. Younger fans of the sport might not recall an African race, as the last one happened during the famous rivalry between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna at South Africa's Kyalami Circuit. That event saw Prost edge out Senna in a memorable showdown.

There has been ongoing talk about bringing a race back to Africa for over ten years. Fans have often expressed frustration about how many races are concentrated in certain parts of the world. Morocco was considered a potential host in 2019, having already hosted Formula E events in Marrakesh and holding historical ties through a 1958 Grand Prix near Casablanca. Attempts to revive the Kyalami Circuit also came close but never fully materialized.

The New Circuit in Rwanda

Rwanda stands out as a promising location for a lasting Formula 1 presence. It has grown into a key destination for international sports and tourism on the continent. The new track will weave through hilly terrain, boasting elevation changes and fast corners designed to offer a unique and demanding racing challenge.

While some images of the circuit design have been released, the complete plan remains under development. The project involves WurzDesign, led by former F1 driver Alex Wurz, collaborating with the well-known Tilke Engineers and Architects. Tilke’s experience includes Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit and Austin's Circuit of the Americas.

Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, said: “Today belongs to Africa. For more than three decades, the world’s premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement. Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa, many of them young people who deserve to see the sport at home and to see themselves in it: as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and, one day, drivers.”

Africa’s Growing Fanbase

Formula 1 sees Africa as a huge untapped audience, with over 100 million fans on the continent. About 60% of these fans live in key Sub-Saharan markets and are under 35 years old. Enthusiasts both locally and worldwide await further announcements about the race, including key construction milestones and the date of the first Grand Prix.

  • Event: African Grand Prix
  • Location: Bugesera, Rwanda (40 km south of Kigali)
  • Target Year: 2030
  • Design Partners: WurzDesign, Tilke Engineers and Architects
  • Previous African GP: 1993, Kyalami Circuit, South Africa
  • African Fanbase: Over 100 million, 60% under age 35 in Sub-Saharan regions

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