Rwanda will host Africa’s first Formula One Grand Prix since 1993 in the early 2030s, following a decade-long agreement announced on Tuesday.

The East African country has pursued a place on the F1 calendar for years as part of efforts to attract investment, boost tourism and strengthen its international image through sports.

President Paul Kagame formally announced Rwanda’s bid in December 2024 when the country hosted a gathering of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), motorsport’s governing body.

The last Formula One race held in Africa was the 1993 South African Grand Prix, won by French driver Alain Prost.

According to F1, the Rwandan Grand Prix will take place after the completion of a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera.

“Today is a landmark moment for Formula One,” F1 president Stefano Domenicali said, adding that Rwanda’s inclusion would enable the championship to race on every inhabited continent.

He said the return to Africa had been a long-standing ambition for the sport, stressing the importance of a suitable partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact.

Kagame described the agreement as a historic moment for the continent, noting that Africa had been excluded from the championship for more than three decades.

“Today belongs to Africa,” he said.

Rwanda has increasingly leveraged sports to promote its tourism industry and attract international investment. The country has signed football sponsorship deals with clubs including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, partnered with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to establish a major hub for its African basketball league, and hosted the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.

The announcement is also expected to be welcomed by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has repeatedly advocated for Formula One’s return to Africa. In 2024, the British driver supported Rwanda’s bid and described the country as one of his favourite places.