Rwanda is making significant moves to host a Formula One (F1) Grand Prix by 2029, aiming to establish itself as a global motorsport destination and boost investment in tourism, infrastructure, and sports innovation.
Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, told The Athletic that at the heart of the plan is a new international airport, which the government intends to integrate with a broader urban development strategy. “We’re in the race to possibly hold a Formula One event here in 2029. We actually want to use the airport as an opportunity to practically develop an entire new city. So F1, the racetrack that we would have to build, the whole idea of the recreational facilities, because in F1 people come mostly for entertainment. It is one week. So the airport will be done and the negotiations with F1 will be to bring the racetrack.”
The project encompasses not only the Formula One race but also supporting facilities for Formula Two and Three, recreational zones, and hospitality infrastructure, all aimed at attracting global visitors and investors. “F1 as a whole is a sport of great interest for us, even beyond bringing the racetrack, in terms of what we could do in the future because it’s the sport of global CEOs, tech entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals, and it is far more targeted. Watch this space because there may be some nice surprises in the near future,” he added.
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Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire highlighted Rwanda’s potential as a reliable partner for international events and the opportunities this presents for national growth. She noted that hosting F1 could stimulate investment and help grow sports beyond traditional disciplines. “Talks are going well,” she said. “F1 is something huge, so you as a country really need to prepare in terms of different aspects. Their calendar is getting busier and busier, but we have proven to be a trustable partner and a strategic partner, so we believe we will get there.”
The push for an African Grand Prix has also gained international support. Seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton revealed last year that he had been doing a lot of work in the background and spoken to people in Rwanda and South Africa. He emphasized the importance of Africa on the global motorsport stage, “We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world takes from,” said Hamilton. “No one gives anything to Africa. There’s a huge amount of work there that needs to be done. I think having a grand prix there would really be able to highlight how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things so why are we not on that continent?”
The current 2026 F1 calendar highlights the sport’s global reach, with 10 races in Europe, seven in Asia, five in North America, one in South America, and one in Oceania. The United States will host three Grands Prix, while Spain will host two. The government sees the initiative, if successful, as a catalyst for urban development, tourism, and sports innovation, while providing opportunities for local talent to engage in new sporting arenas.
Source: The Athletic
