Forty kilometres south of Kigali, a brand-new racing circuit is taking shape in Bugesera, and with it, a piece of motorsport history. Formula 1 has officially confirmed that Rwanda will host the first African Grand Prix since 1993, with races expected to begin in the early 2030s under a 10-year hosting agreement.
The purpose-built track will sit right next to the new Kigali International Airport and is being designed to FIA Grade 1 standards. F1 says the circuit will work with the area's natural elevation changes to create a challenging and visually exciting race experience. Beyond race weekends, the venue is planned to function as a full destination for international motorsport events, major conferences, and entertainment, all as part of a broader development project led by the Rwanda Development Board.
F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali called the announcement "a landmark moment," noting that Rwanda's addition to the calendar means the sport will race on every inhabited continent. The deal, he said, was the result of years of collaboration to build the right foundations for a world-class, sustainable Grand Prix.
South Africa had also been pushing hard to return to the calendar, with the Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg, the venue of that last 1993 race, at the center of its bid. Sports minister Gayton McKenzie acknowledged last week that Rwanda was selected, but expressed confidence that South Africa would secure its own race dates before long.
Exact dates for the inaugural Rwandan Grand Prix, along with circuit development milestones and race weekend details, are still to be announced. The early 2030s feel far off until you consider how much is already in motion.
Originally published by African Business.