South Africa congratulates Rwanda on 10-year formula 1 hosting agreement

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the government and the people of Rwanda on securing a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, scheduled to join the championship calendar in the early 2030s.

In a message posted on X on October 15, Ramaphosa described the agreement as recognition of Rwanda’s capabilities and those of the African continent more broadly.

He said South Africa would be willing to provide any support it might be invited to offer to help ensure the successful hosting of the event.

South Africa hosted the first Formula 1 Grand Prix on African soil in 1993. Ramaphosa said his country would be happy to share its experience in organising major international events as Rwanda prepares for the competition.

Rwanda’s pursuit of Formula 1 hosting rights became public in December 2024, when President Kagame announced the country’s intention to bid for a Grand Prix during the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) awards ceremony in Kigali.

The announcement formed part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to attract major international sporting events and strengthen its position as a global sports and tourism destination.

Following years of engagement and discussions with Formula 1, the country secured a 10-year hosting agreement announced on October 13, 2026. The deal will bring the championship back to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. 

Rwanda plans to build a purpose-designed racing circuit in Bugesera District, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali, near the new Kigali International Airport.

The circuit is being designed by WurzDesign, led by former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz, in collaboration with Tilke Engineers and Architects. Plans envisage a track of approximately six kilometres with 17 corners, incorporating the area's natural hills and changes in elevation.

The facility is expected to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, the certification required to host Formula 1 races. However, construction must be completed before the inaugural Grand Prix can take place, and the precise race date has not yet been confirmed. 

The Rwanda Development Board is leading the wider project, which is intended to connect motorsport with tourism, infrastructure development and commercial opportunities. Authorities expect the initiative to create jobs, develop technical skills and provide opportunities for local businesses.

The planned circuit is also expected to support other motorsport competitions and events, extending its potential use beyond the Formula 1 race weekend.

The agreement adds Formula 1 to Rwanda’s growing portfolio of international sporting events, which includes the UCI-ranked Tour du Rwanda cycling race and other major competitions hosted by the country.