In the magnificent halls of the Kigali Convention Centre, a momentous gathering unfolded, vibrant with ambition and unity. Beneath the iconic glowing domes, on December 12, President Kagame, resolute and visionary, welcomed a distinguished assembly. Among them stood Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the esteemed President of the FIA, alongside members of the FIA World Motor Sport Council, rally champions, automobile club representatives, and motorsport enthusiasts from across the globe.
The evening was dedicated to celebrating excellence in motorsport, as the FIA Annual Awards Ceremony honored the Grand Prix champions of the year. Yet, Rwanda used this global stage to make a historic announcement: its bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, bringing the thrill of racing back to Africa for the first time since 1993.
During the ceremony, President Kagame shared the country’s ambitious vision. “I am happy to announce Rwanda’s bid to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa,” he declared. “A Formula 1 Grand Prix, here on our soil—a dream that is closer than ever, supported by partners like Stefano Domenicali and the Formula 1 team.” His words, steady and assured, outlined a vision of progress, commitment, and shared purpose.
The night also unveiled a symbol of local innovation: the first FIA Level 2 Affordable Cross Car produced in Africa. Designed and built by Rwandan polytechnic students in partnership with the FIA and the Rwanda Automobile Club, the car showcased Africa’s ability to contribute to the global motorsport landscape. It was a testament to the country’s rising capacity for innovation and its commitment to nurturing young talent.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised Rwanda’s growing influence in motorsport and its broader alignment with values such as sustainability and innovation. “To stand here in Rwanda,” he remarked, “is to witness a nation uniting bold vision with practical action. Rwanda is setting the stage for the future of motorsport in Africa.”
Zurab Polorikashvilli, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), lauded President Kagame’s efforts to link sports and tourism. “As we celebrate the landmark 150th FIA General Assembly in Kigali, we recognize your unwavering support for tourism and our shared belief in the power of sports tourism to bring people together,” he said.
The announcement of Rwanda’s Formula 1 Grand Prix bid was not a fleeting ambition but a carefully orchestrated effort. Meetings had been held, proposals discussed, and progress made. Stefano Domenicali, the Chief Executive of Formula One Group, affirmed Rwanda’s readiness. “They are serious,” he noted, describing a vision for a permanent track that could host Africa’s first Formula 1 race in decades.
As the global motorsport community looks to Africa, voices like Lewis Hamilton’s resonate with the urgency of this ambition. “We need a race in Africa,” he has declared, underscoring the importance of bringing motorsport to a continent that is rich in passion and talent yet often overlooked in the racing calendar.
The ceremony also celebrated the artistic talents of three Rwandan artists whose works, inspired by the FIA’s 120th anniversary, were recognized during the event. Their creations, vivid and evocative, honored the legacy of motorsport while embracing the cultural richness of Rwanda. President Kagame personally commended their efforts, underscoring the importance of integrating creativity into the broader narrative of progress.
Motorsport enthusiasts, including Joseph Kayinamura, emphasized the unifying power of sports. “Motorsport has the ability to bring people together, transcending backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures. It’s inspiring to see Rwanda take this lead,” he said.
Rwanda’s push for motorsport also reflects its broader commitment to sports tourism. With partnerships that include Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain and plans to host the 2025 Cycling World Road Championships, Rwanda has positioned itself as a global sports destination. Tourism revenues climbed to $636 million in 2023, a 36% increase from the prior year, showcasing the country’s success in blending cultural, athletic, and economic goals.
President Kagame concluded with a message of unity and purpose. “In a world where forces push us apart, sports must bring us together. Respect and inclusion are the keys to creating opportunities for all,” he said. These words echoed through the gathering, resonating deeply with attendees and symbolizing Rwanda’s determination to lead in more ways than one.
Under Kigali’s starlit sky, the evening concluded as a testament to Rwanda’s aspirations. It was a story of creativity, progress, and the pursuit of excellence—a story where wheels on the ground mirrored the turning of dreams into reality. For Rwanda, the Grand Prix is not just a race; it is a reflection of a nation determined to lead, innovate, and shape its destiny.
