Sports 13 October 2026 Nile Post
Kagame: Rwanda's F1 Deal is a Continental Opportunity
President Paul Kagame views Rwanda's 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix as a significant opportunity for investment, job creation, and enhanced African presence in global sports, extending benefits beyond the nation's borders. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/377968/kagame-says-rwandas-formula-one-deal-is-bigger-than-sport
Rwanda’s recent 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix is being hailed by President Paul Kagame not just as a sporting achievement, but as a strategic move for continental development. Kagame emphasized that the project extends beyond Rwanda’s borders, aiming to foster investment, create jobs, and solidify Africa’s footprint in international sports.
The landmark deal, set to bring Formula One back to Africa for the first time since 1993, is anticipated to feature on the championship calendar in the early 2030s. The race will be held at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, near the new Kigali International Airport.
“We’re looking at Rwanda in the context of a continent,” Kagame stated, highlighting Rwanda’s experience in hosting major international sporting events like the Basketball Africa League and the UCI Road World Championships. He sees the Formula One Grand Prix as a platform to build on this success, expanding Africa’s participation in global sports and generating opportunities that extend beyond race weekends.
Private sector involvement is crucial to the project’s success, with expectations that investors will contribute to the development of the circuit and associated economic ventures. Kagame urged skeptics to consider the broader potential benefits for both Rwanda and the wider African continent.
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali echoed these sentiments, calling the agreement a “special moment for Africa and for Rwanda.” He noted that the event will bring the championship closer to African fans who have long awaited its return. The new circuit is being designed by WurzDesign in collaboration with Tilke Engineers and Architects, and will be built to FIA Grade 1 standards.
The initiative is a key component of Rwanda’s strategy to leverage major sporting events for tourism, investment, and infrastructure development, with the aim of creating lasting economic benefits for local communities and the sports industry.