Why Formula 1 Chose Rwanda Over South Africa for Its Historic African Return

Formula 1 is preparing to return to Africa for the first time since 1993, and Rwanda has secured the agreement to host the championship's next African Grand Prix.

The announcement was made on October 13, 2026, with Formula 1 confirming a 10-year agreement with Rwanda. The race is expected to take place in the early 2030s at a planned circuit in Bugesera, south of Kigali.

The announcement came after years of interest in bringing Formula 1 back to South Africa, where the championship last raced at Kyalami. South Africa had explored proposals to revive the Grand Prix, but Rwanda secured the announced agreement.

Here are the key facts behind Rwanda's Formula 1 deal and South Africa's unsuccessful attempt to secure the same return.

1. Rwanda Secured a 10-Year Agreement With Formula 1

Formula 1 announced a 10-year agreement with Rwanda on October 13, 2026. The deal establishes the framework for an African Grand Prix in the country, with the first race targeted for the early 2030s.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has publicly supported bringing Formula 1 to the country. The Rwanda Development Board is involved in the project, which forms part of the country's efforts to attract international sporting events and tourism.

Formula 1 has not yet announced the exact date of the inaugural race or its position on the annual championship calendar.

2. South Africa Had Been Pursuing a Formula 1 Return

South Africa has a much longer history with Formula 1 than Rwanda. The country hosted its first World Championship Grand Prix in 1962, and the championship returned to Kyalami several times over the following decades.

The last South African Grand Prix took place on March 14, 1993, at Kyalami near Johannesburg.

South African officials and motorsport stakeholders subsequently explored ways to bring the championship back. Proposals centered on reviving Kyalami's role and examining other possible locations, including Cape Town.

However, those efforts did not result in a confirmed race agreement before Formula 1 announced its deal with Rwanda.

3. Rwanda Plans to Build a Circuit in Bugesera

The proposed Grand Prix circuit will be located in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometers south of Kigali.

The project involves a new purpose-built racing facility designed to meet the FIA's Grade 1 circuit requirements. Grade 1 certification is required for a circuit to host Formula 1 races.

Formula 1 has described a layout incorporating the area's natural elevation changes, with a mix of challenging corners and high-speed sections.

The circuit has not yet hosted a Formula 1 event. Construction and the required approvals must be completed before the championship can race there.

4. The Circuit Is Planned Near Kigali's New International Airport

The Bugesera area is also the site of Rwanda's new international airport project.

The airport and proposed circuit are part of a wider development zone south of Kigali. The airport project is intended to expand Rwanda's capacity for international passenger and cargo traffic.

Formula 1 teams transport cars, spare parts, equipment and personnel between race locations around the world. A Grand Prix also attracts spectators, sponsors, broadcasters and hospitality operators.

The planned proximity of the airport and circuit has been highlighted in descriptions of Rwanda's motorsport project.

5. Rwanda Hosted the FIA's Annual General Assembly in 2024

Rwanda hosted the FIA General Assemblies and Awards Ceremony in Kigali in December 2024. The event brought together representatives from the international governing body for motorsport and mobility.

The meeting included the FIA's annual awards ceremony, attended by officials and figures from international motorsport.

Rwanda has also hosted other major sporting events, including the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.

These events placed the country on the international sporting calendar before the Formula 1 hosting agreement was announced.

6. Formula 1 Has Identified Africa as a Significant Fan Market

Formula 1 has publicly discussed the potential for growth in Africa, where the championship has not held a race since 1993.

The sport has reported a substantial fan base across the continent, including younger audiences in Sub-Saharan African markets.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has repeatedly spoken in favor of bringing the championship back to Africa.

The Rwanda agreement marks a concrete step towards a return, although the first race date remains unconfirmed.

7. The Deal Is Linked to Rwanda's Tourism Promotion

Rwanda has used international sporting partnerships to promote tourism and its national brand. The country has previously entered sponsorship agreements involving football clubs and other sporting organizations.

The Visit Rwanda campaign has featured partnerships with major international teams and events.

The Formula 1 project is associated with the country's wider tourism and investment strategy, with the proposed Grand Prix expected to attract international media coverage and visitors.

The agreement has also drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Amnesty International has raised concerns about Rwanda's human rights record and its role in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rwanda has rejected accusations that it supports armed groups operating in eastern Congo.

When Will Formula 1 Race in Rwanda?

Formula 1 has announced that the race is expected to begin in the early 2030s. An exact year, race date and place on the championship calendar have not yet been confirmed.

The Bugesera circuit must be completed and meet the FIA's requirements before it can host a Grand Prix.

Could South Africa Still Host a Future Grand Prix?

Formula 1's agreement with Rwanda does not amount to a permanent ban on South Africa hosting a future race.

South Africa has an established Grand Prix history, and Kyalami remains closely associated with the championship. However, no new South African race agreement has been announced alongside Rwanda's deal.

For now, Rwanda is the country with the announced 10-year agreement to bring Formula 1 back to Africa, with the first race expected in the early 2030s.