FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes Africa could follow the Middle East’s path in developing its motorsport industry following the announcement of a 10-year agreement to bring Formula 1 back to the African continent.
The Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, is expected to join the championship calendar in the early 2030s. It will mark Formula 1’s return to Africa for the first time since 1993, with the inaugural race planned for a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, Rwanda.
Ben Sulayem described the agreement as a historic moment for motorsport, highlighting its potential to expand the sport’s global reach, develop local talent and create new opportunities across Africa.
Middle East Offers a Development Model
The FIA President pointed to the Middle East’s growing influence in international motorsport as an example of how sustained investment and long-term planning can establish a region as a major racing destination.
Bahrain hosted the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Middle East in 2004, followed by Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These races have helped strengthen the region’s presence in the championship and support broader motorsport development.
Ben Sulayem said Africa’s new Formula 1 agreement could influence how Grand Prix racing and motorsport are perceived across the continent, potentially encouraging further investment and development.
He also emphasised the importance of making motorsport more accessible, inspiring younger generations and creating opportunities for talent to progress at different levels of the sport.
New Formula 1 Circuit Planned in Rwanda
The new circuit in Bugesera will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards as part of a wider sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development project led by the Rwanda Development Board.
Located approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali and near the new Kigali International Airport, the circuit will incorporate the area’s natural landscape and elevation changes to create a distinctive racing experience.
The venue is also planned as a year-round destination for international motorsport, major events, conferences and entertainment, extending its role beyond the Formula 1 race weekend.
Building a Lasting Legacy
The Rwanda project aims to generate long-term economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, infrastructure development and opportunities for local businesses and talent.
The FIA, the Government of Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board and Formula One Management (FOM) will work together to develop the event and circuit to international standards.
For Ben Sulayem, the agreement represents an opportunity to build on the progress seen in the Middle East and establish new foundations for motorsport across Africa, extending the sport’s reach to new audiences and communities.
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