F1 confirms Rwanda as host for historic African Grand Prix
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 13, 2026, 2:49 PM
Last updated Oct 13, 2026
Formula 1 has announced Rwanda as the host for the first 'African Grand Prix' in the early 2030s. The event was revealed in Kigali by Rwandan president Paul Kagame, alongside a 10-year contract for a new 6km race circuit in Bugesera. While this marks a significant return to Africa for F1, concerns about Rwanda's human rights record and allegations of sportswashing persist. The deal has been met with skepticism from some quarters, given Rwanda's history of political suppression. F1 insists that funds for the race will come from the Rwanda Development Board's investment plan, not state resources.
- •Rwanda to host first African Grand Prix in early 2030s.
- •10-year contract signed for a new 6km circuit.
- •Event location is Bugesera, near Kigali international airport.
- •Concerns raised over Rwanda's human rights record.
- •F1 stresses investment plan funding, not state funds.
- 3:01 PMBBC Sport — A 'landmark' moment - why has Rwanda been chosen to host F1?
- 2:49 PMYahoo Sports — Formula 1 Set to Return to Africa for the First Time Since 1993 as Rwanda Is Added to the Calendar in ‘Unique’ 10-Year Deal
- 1:50 PMYahoo Sports — The real details and dilemmas behind F1’s historic ‘African Grand Prix’ in Rwanda
"IN FOCUS: F1 has announced a long-heralded return to Africa, with Rwanda pipping South Africa to hosting a grand prix in the “early 2030s.” Yet amid human rights and sportswashing concerns, the sport and the East African country will have several doubters to appease. Kieran Jackson reports
"“Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa,” said Rwandan President Paul Kagame
"How Rwanda has succeeded where Morocco and South Africa, among others, have failed by agreeing a deal to stage the African Grand Prix.
Sources
External links- BBC SportOct 13, 2026, 3:01 PMA 'landmark' moment - why has Rwanda been chosen to host F1?
How Rwanda has succeeded where Morocco and South Africa, among others, have failed by agreeing a deal to stage the African Grand Prix.
- Yahoo SportsOct 13, 2026, 2:49 PMFormula 1 Set to Return to Africa for the First Time Since 1993 as Rwanda Is Added to the Calendar in ‘Unique’ 10-Year Deal
“Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa,” said Rwandan President Paul Kagame
- Yahoo SportsOct 13, 2026, 1:50 PMThe real details and dilemmas behind F1’s historic ‘African Grand Prix’ in Rwanda
IN FOCUS: F1 has announced a long-heralded return to Africa, with Rwanda pipping South Africa to hosting a grand prix in the “early 2030s.” Yet amid human rights and sportswashing concerns, the sport and the East African country will have several doubters to appease. Kieran Jackson reports
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