Formula 1 could be heading back to Africa in 2030, with Rwanda reportedly emerging as the leading candidate to host the continent’s next Grand Prix.
According to reports published this week, Rwanda has reached a reported agreement to stage a Formula 1 race from 2030, potentially ending the sport’s long absence from Africa. However, Formula 1, the FIA and the Rwandan government have not yet formally confirmed the agreement, meaning the race should currently be described as a reported or planned event rather than a confirmed addition to the calendar.
If the deal is completed, Rwanda would become the first African country to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
The 1993 race, held on March 14, was won by French driver Alain Prost for Williams-Renault, with Ayrton Senna finishing second and Mark Blundell third.
Rwanda has been openly pursuing Formula 1 for several years. President Paul Kagame formally announced the country’s bid to host a Grand Prix during the FIA General Assemblies in Kigali in December 2024.
At the time, Kagame said Rwanda was committed to bringing international motorsport back to Africa and working with Formula 1 to develop the project.
The proposed race would require the construction of a new permanent circuit near Kigali, reportedly in the vicinity of Bugesera International Airport, around 40 kilometres from the Rwandan capital.
The circuit is expected to be designed by WurzDesign, a company founded by former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz.
Hosting Formula 1 would represent a major international sporting opportunity for Rwanda, potentially attracting thousands of visitors, motorsport fans, teams and international media.
The Rwandan government has previously presented major sporting events as part of its strategy to promote tourism, investment and the country’s international profile.
Kagame has also argued that developing sports infrastructure can create jobs and strengthen the wider tourism and hospitality sector.
The reported Rwanda deal comes as Formula 1 continues to expand its global reach, with Africa remaining one of the few major regions without a race on the current calendar.
There has also been renewed interest in South Africa, particularly around the return of the Kyalami circuit. However, reports indicate that Rwanda’s proposal has gained significant momentum and could now be ahead of competing African bids.
A Rwanda Grand Prix in 2030 would mark a historic return for Formula 1 to Africa after the 1993 Kyalami race.
For Rwanda, it would also be one of the country’s biggest sporting projects yet and could position Kigali as a major destination on the global motorsport calendar.
For now, however, the 2030 race remains reported rather than officially confirmed. The next major step will be an announcement from Formula 1, the FIA or the Rwandan government confirming the agreement and providing details about the proposed circuit and race.
