Rwanda will host an F1 Grand Prix, sources in the government and close to the sport’s governing body told AFP, marking the first race in decades on the African continent.
The nation has been chasing a Grand Prix race for years, having already used football, basketball and other sports to enhance its image and attract investment.
Rwanda and the FIA have yet to formally announce the decision, but a source in the country’s government told AFP on Thursday: “Rwanda’s bid to host the Formula 1 race has been greenlit, an agreement has been reached.”
A source close to the FIA said an official announcement would be made in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, next week, with Qatar supporting the project.
President Paul Kagame formally announced the bid when Rwanda hosted a gathering of the FIA in December 2024.
“It all comes down to respect, and giving everyone the chance to contribute, where they can,” he said at the time.
