Speaking in Kigali on Tuesday, October 13, following the announcement of the 10-year agreement between Formula 1 and Rwanda, Kagame said the partnership was long overdue and should go beyond hosting a major international sporting event to create lasting opportunities for African countries and their people.

“Ultimately, what we want is for the African Grand Prix to pave the way for other races to be hosted on the continent,” Kagame said.

He argued that Africa has contributed significantly to international sport, including through its athletes, but has often received little of the economic value generated by the industry.

“For decades, African athletes have been a pillar of the global sports economy, with the continent receiving almost nothing in return,” Kagame said.

He stressed that Rwanda wants to help change that imbalance by investing in opportunities that allow the continent to contribute more actively to international sport rather than remain primarily a source of talent and spectators.

“We want to contribute, not just participate. This new chapter in motorsports starts today,” he declared.

Kagame also called for African countries to be intentional about turning sport into an economic and social development tool.

“The message for all of us is simple, sport is a great equalizer, but we have to be intentional about delivering this promise,” he added.

The planned Grand Prix is expected to support tourism, hospitality, entertainment and investment, while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities. Kagame’s broader ambition is for the event to strengthen Africa’s place in international sport and demonstrate how sporting investments can generate benefits beyond competition itself.

Formula 1 targets Africa’s growing fanbase

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said the agreement would bring Formula 1 closer to millions of African fans while giving young people greater opportunities to identify with the sport and pursue careers connected to it.

Formula 1 has more than 800 million fans globally, with Africa accounting for over 100 million, according to Domenicali. He noted that the continent’s fan community continues to grow as more young people discover the championship.

“Today's announcement brings Formula 1 closer to them than ever before,” he remarked.

Domenicali emphasised that the return to Africa could encourage young people to imagine careers not only as drivers but also as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and innovators.

“Young Africans should be able to see themselves not only as spectators but also as future engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, innovators, drivers,” he said, adding that the opportunity to participate in the sport was part of its wider significance.

He explained that the project’s ambitions extend beyond hosting a Grand Prix to creating a lasting legacy through tourism, investment, skills development, education and opportunities for local businesses.

“This is not simply about hosting a Grand Prix. This is about creating legacy and inspiration,” Domenicali said.

He added that the benefits should be felt across communities and continue for generations, rather than being limited to the race weekend.

Domenicali also credited Kagame’s commitment to creating opportunities and inspiring future generations, noting that Rwanda’s ambition and confidence in the future aligned with Formula 1’s own direction.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would help write a new chapter for the championship on the continent.

FIA pledges support for African motorsport

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the announcement as an important step towards expanding Africa’s role in international motorsport.

He recalled Rwanda’s hosting of the FIA General Assembly and Awards in Kigali in December 2024, describing the event as an important milestone in the federation’s relationship with the country.

Ben Sulayem maintained that the return of Formula 1 should be accompanied by efforts to expand participation in motorsport, develop local talent and increase African representation in the sport’s leadership and technical fields.

He highlighted grassroots initiatives such as karting and Cross Car racing as ways to make motorsport more accessible to young people who might otherwise struggle to enter the sport.

“The future of motorsports begins at the grassroots,” he said, calling for greater access and opportunities for young people across Africa.

The FIA has also pledged support for training and education as Rwanda prepares the facilities and expertise required to host the championship.

Ben Sulayem stressed that the significance of the deal extended beyond bringing a major competition to the continent, pointing to the need to create pathways for Africans to participate in motorsport at different levels.

He also emphasised the continental significance of the event, explaining that the race would be known as the African Grand Prix rather than simply a Rwandan event.

Rwanda targets the early 2030s

Rwanda is expected to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix from the early 2030s under the 10-year agreement announced on Tuesday. The race will mark Formula 1’s return to Africa after more than three decades. The championship last held an African race at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.

The proposed circuit will be built in Bugesera District, around 40 kilometres south of Kigali and near the new Kigali International Airport. It is being designed to meet FIA Grade 1 requirements for Formula 1 racing.