President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame hosted a luncheon bringing together senior Formula 1 officials, leading African business executives and motorsport partners following the announcement that Rwanda will host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix.
The gathering, held in Kigali on Tuesday, October 13, brought together FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, prominent private sector leaders from across Africa and representatives of the international motorsport community.
The luncheon followed the announcement of a 10-year agreement for Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix, marking a major step towards the return of Formula 1 racing to the continent after more than three decades.
The last Formula 1 World Championship race held in Africa took place at South Africa’s Kyalami Circuit in 1993.
Rwanda plans to develop a purpose-built racing circuit in Bugesera, near the new Kigali International Airport. The proposed facility will feature approximately 6 kilometres of track, 17 corners and significant elevation changes, taking advantage of the area’s hills and natural landscape.
Beyond the sporting significance, the Grand Prix is expected to create opportunities in tourism, hospitality, infrastructure development, event management and technical training.
The participation of African private sector leaders at the luncheon also highlighted the potential role of business partnerships in supporting the project and developing commercial opportunities associated with international motorsport.
Rwanda is positioning the Grand Prix as a continental sporting event, with ambitions to attract spectators, investors, racing teams and motorsport enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond.
The luncheon provided an opportunity for Rwanda’s leadership to engage with key figures involved in the proposed championship event as the country prepares for the next stages of developing its Formula 1 infrastructure.
The inaugural race is expected in the early 2030s, although an exact date has yet to be announced.
