Kigali airport area to host F1's African Grand Prix from early 2030s

Formula 1 has reached a ten-year agreement with Rwanda to organise the African Grand Prix, with the race expected to take place at the beginning of the next decade. The deal was announced at an official ceremony in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, where President Paul Kagame highlighted his country's efforts to host the international motorsport event.

Key facts

• Agreement: ten-year deal between Formula 1 and Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix
• Timing: the race is expected at the beginning of the next decade; no exact date has been announced
• Location: a brand-new circuit in the Bugesera area, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali
• Getting there: the circuit is planned near Kigali's new international airport
• Announced: this week, at a ceremony in Kigali

What has been agreed?

Formula 1 said this week that it had signed a ten-year agreement with Rwanda to stage the African Grand Prix. Speaking at the ceremony in Kigali, President Paul Kagame underlined the work his country had done to bring the major international motorsport competition to Rwanda.

Where will the race be held?

The future race is expected to run on a brand-new circuit in the Bugesera area, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali. The planned track sits near the capital's new international airport. No further details about the circuit, ticketing or travel arrangements have been announced.

When will it take place?

Formula 1 said the African Grand Prix is expected to be held at the beginning of the next decade. No specific year, race date or calendar slot has been confirmed.

What have officials said?

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said that bringing the championship to Rwanda would be an important step in the sport's international expansion, allowing it to strengthen its presence across all continents and broaden its global audience.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), pointed to the project's long-term benefits, including encouraging motorsport among young people, developing local talent and creating new opportunities with the aim of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

What this means for travellers

Anyone considering a trip to Rwanda around the start of the next decade should keep an eye on announcements about the exact race date and the circuit in Bugesera, near Kigali's new international airport, before making plans.

No confirmed race date, ticket information or travel arrangements have been released so far. Further details are expected as the project develops.