Rwanda secures ten-year Formula 1 Grand Prix agreement

Formula 1 and the FIA have announced a ten-year agreement to host a Grand Prix in Rwanda, marking the sport’s return to the African continent for the first time since 1993. The inaugural race is expected to take place in the early 2030s following the construction of a dedicated circuit in Bugesera, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Kigali. The circuit is noted to be designed by former F1 driver and Le Mans winner Alex Wurz.

The deal has drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations. Amnesty International has characterized the partnership as a “sports-washing prize,” alleging that Rwandan authorities are using major sporting events—including previous partnerships with Arsenal and Aston Villa—to polish their international image and deflect from domestic issues such as arbitrary detention and repression of free speech.

Additionally, the announcement occurs amidst regional geopolitical tensions. The United Nations has previously accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an allegation Kigali denies. While F1 representatives stated the move aims to “inspire and bring the passion of F1 to 100 million people across Africa,” critics argue the partnership ignores the country's human rights record and regional involvement in conflict.