Rwanda is reportedly on course to bring Formula 1 back to Africa in 2030, with an agreement said to have been reached for a new permanent circuit near Nyamata, close to Bugesera International Airport and about 40 kilometres from Kigali.
The development, first formally announced as a bid by President Paul Kagame in December 2024, would end Africa’s 37-year absence from the F1 calendar. The last African Grand Prix was held at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit in 1993.
Multiple reports on Tuesday said Rwanda has now emerged as the leading African candidate, with an official announcement potentially coming later this year.
However, Formula 1, the FIA and the Rwandan government have not yet publicly confirmed the 2030 agreement, so the date remains a reported target rather than an officially secured race.
The proposed circuit is being designed by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz, whose company has been working with Rwanda and local partners on the project for more than two years.
The layout is designed to exploit the area’s natural landscape, with a fast and flowing track winding through forests and around a lake.
The project has attracted significant interest within F1. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly called for the championship to return to Africa, while F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that Rwanda has been among the African venues in discussions with Formula 1.
A 2030 race would give Rwanda several years to construct the circuit and associated infrastructure, while positioning the country as a leading contender to deliver F1’s long-awaited return to Africa.
