Formula 1 has signed a ten-year agreement for Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s. The first race will take place after a new circuit is completed in Bugesera, around 40 kilometres south of the capital, Kigali. It will mark the championship’s first race in Africa since the South African Grand Prix in 1993. The exact opening race date has not yet been announced.
The planned six-kilometre circuit will have 17 corners and use the area’s hills to create a challenging route. Former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz and track designer Carsten Tilke are working on the project. Near Kigali’s new international airport, the venue is also intended to host concerts, conferences and other events throughout the year.
Organisers say the project aims to attract visitors and investment, create jobs and develop local skills. However, Amnesty International has criticised the agreement. The human rights organisation argues that Rwanda uses major sporting partnerships to improve its international image and distract attention from human rights abuses. More than 100 million people across Africa already follow Formula 1.
