# Rwanda Formula 1 Grand Prix agreement > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rwanda-formula-1-grand-prix-agreement > Updated: 2026-10-24T15:30:00.000Z. Sources: 63. Developments: 4. Formula 1 and the FIA have entered a ten-year agreement to host a Grand Prix in Rwanda, marking the sport’s return to Africa for the first time since 1993. The inaugural race, officially titled the “Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda,” is slated for the early 2030s. The event is contingent upon the construction of a dedicated FIA Grade 1 circuit in Bugesera, south of Kigali, designed by Alex Wurz. The proposed site is located near the country’s new international airport. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali described the announcement as a “historic moment” that allows the sport to reach every continent, noting that Africa represents a significant growth opportunity with over 100 million fans. Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized that the ten-year alliance is an investment in the country's future, intended to drive tourism, infrastructure, and economic growth. To facilitate the project, the Rwanda Development Board has partnered with the Raffles Family Office, an Asian multi-family office managing approximately $35 billion in assets. This partnership seeks to mobilize hundreds of millions of dollars in private foreign investment from ultra-high-net-worth individuals across Asia and Africa, targeting sectors such as hospitality, real estate, infrastructure, and the RISE Motordrome project. While leadership highlights economic potential, the announcement has faced scrutiny. Amnesty International has labeled the partnership a “sports-washing prize,” suggesting the event may be used to deflect attention from domestic issues like the repression of free speech. Additionally, the deal occurs amid regional tensions regarding allegations that Rwanda supports the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in 2025, expressed enthusiasm, stating it has been his “dream” to race in Africa and noting the event might motivate him to extend his career into his mid-forties. ## Claims - Lewis Hamilton intends to continue racing in F1 to compete in the African Grand Prix. (corroborated by 22 sources) - The Rwandan Grand Prix is scheduled to begin in the early 2030s. (corroborated by 20 sources) - The new F1 circuit will be built in Bugesera, south of Kigali. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The last Formula 1 race in Africa was held in 1993 in South Africa. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Formula 1 signed a 10-year agreement to host a Grand Prix in Rwanda. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Raffles Family Office signed a strategic agreement with the Rwanda Development Board to promote investment. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Raffles Family Office aims to mobilise hundreds of millions of dollars in private foreign investment in Rwanda. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Rwanda to host Formula 1 Grand Prix starting in 2030s Formula 1 will return to Africa in the early 2030s with a Grand Prix in Rwanda, hosted at a new FIA Grade 1 circuit in Bugesera to drive tourism and economic investment. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rwanda-to-host-formula-1-grand-prix-starting-in-2030s-2 ### 2026-10-22: Rwanda secures 10-year Formula 1 agreement for 2030s race Rwanda has signed a 10-year deal to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the early 2030s, with Lewis Hamilton suggesting the move may extend his career. 47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/raffles-family-office-and-rwanda-development-board-partner-to-drive-investment ### 2026-10-19: Rwanda secures 10-year deal to host Formula 1 Grand Prix Rwanda has secured a 10-year deal to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the early 2030s, potentially opening the door for further motorsport expansion across Africa, including bids from South Africa. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rwanda-secures-10-year-deal-to-host-formula-1-grand-prix ### 2026-10-17: Rwanda secures ten-year Formula 1 Grand Prix agreement Formula 1 has signed a ten-year deal to host a Grand Prix in Rwanda by the early 2030s, sparking controversy over potential “sports-washing” and the country's human rights record. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rwanda-secures-ten-year-formula-1-grand-prix-agreement --- Cite as: Rwanda Formula 1 Grand Prix agreement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rwanda-formula-1-grand-prix-agreement