Formula 1 and Rwanda agree 10-year African Grand Prix deal

Formula 1 and Rwanda have agreed to a 10-year arrangement for an African Grand Prix at a planned circuit in Bugesera, near Kigali, setting the stage for the championship’s return to Africa after the 1993 South African Grand Prix. The race is expected to begin in the early 2030s, but no specific date has been announced. Its timing depends on completion of a purpose-built circuit, and Formula 1 has said it will provide further details on the race date, circuit development and race-weekend plans in due course. The circuit is planned about 40 kilometres south of Kigali, beside Bugesera’s under-construction international airport. Former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz and his design company are involved in the track project. Reports also identify Tilke and DAR among the companies working on its development. No construction completion date has been provided. Rwandan President Paul Kagame described the agreement as a milestone for the country and the continent. He said the circuit and race would bring jobs, skills, tourism and new business to Rwanda and the region. Those are anticipated benefits rather than outcomes established by the announcement.