Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has congratulated President Paul Kagame and the people of Rwanda after the country secured a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, describing the deal as a landmark for Rwanda and a significant moment for African motorsport.
In a message on behalf of the Commonwealth, Botchwey said the agreement would bring Formula 1 back to the continent after the South African Grand Prix was held at Kyalami in 1993.
With Rwanda’s race expected to join the calendar in the early 2030s, the return will come nearly four decades after that event.
Rwanda’s agreement provides for a 10-year Grand Prix, with the race planned for a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, south of Kigali.
Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in 2009 and is among its African members, adding a Commonwealth dimension to the country’s role in bringing the championship back to the continent.
