Rwanda seals 10-year Formula 1 deal for African Grand Prix in 2030s

Formula 1 finalized a 10-year agreement to stage an African Grand Prix in Rwanda starting in the early 2030s, marking the series' planned return to the continent after a hiatus of more than three decades.

The official launch at Kigali's BK Arena included Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Organizers selected a flexible timeline to coordinate with critical transport and hospitality infrastructure projects across the region.

African Grand Prix

The core dependency is the Bugesera International Airport south of Kigali, where construction on the terminal building is underway following completion of the runway and apron. The airport facility is scheduled to open in the second half of 2028 before the venue can handle international logistics and visitor influxes.

Tilke Engineering & Architects

Track designs feature a purpose-built 6-kilometer permanent circuit running alongside a lake and across two hills. Tilke Engineering & Architects, engineering consultancy DAR, and Wurz Design finalized the initial layout, which has now transitioned into the detailed engineering phase to accommodate an estimated 100,000 spectators.

Branded as the African Grand Prix rather than a national round, the event is designed to serve as Formula 1's continental anchor while distributing preparation timelines without immediate calendar pressure.