President Paul Kagame says the FIA 2024 Awards and General Assembly hosted in Kigali was a “success” and is part of the country’s efforts to create a sports hub and other businesses that incorporate sports in their ecosystems. This, according to Kagame, is what brings up the prospect of Rwanda hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Kagame announced in December 2024 that “Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa, by hosting the Formula One grand prix.” He noted that the bidding process is “in progress” and that Rwanda has also held discussions with MotoGP. Additionally, Rwanda will host the World Cycling Championship this year.
Rwanda’s hosting of the FIA event represents an important step in the country’s ambitions to bring Formula 1 racing back to the African continent. Formula 1 has not raced in Africa since 1993 in South African Grand Prix in Kyalami and plans to return in recent years have not materialized. By successfully hosting the FIA’s marquee event, Rwanda has demonstrated its capability and commitment to supporting international motorsports.
Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s existing partnerships with major football clubs like Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, saying “the results have spoken for themselves.” He emphasized that “Rwanda is open for business, tourism, and education,” and that the benefits of these sports-related initiatives will become “more tangible” over time.
