Rwanda may host the first Formula 1 race in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, according to reports emerging from talks in Kigali.
Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, said that Rwanda’s bid is being taken seriously, adding that further discussions are billed for September. The president of the Rwanda Automobile Club, Christian Gakwaya, also confirmed the bid, indicating the country’s strong interest in hosting a Formula 1 race.
“They have presented a good plan and actually we have a meeting with them at the end of September,” Domenicali said, disclosing that the proposed race would be on a permanent track.
“We want to go to Africa, but we need to have the right investment, and the right strategic plan.” He added.
Rwanda’s recent multimillion-dollar investments in sports facilities and partnerships with sports federations including the NBA and the International Cycling Union (UCI) will make a strong case for its bid especially with the FIA annual general assembly and awards gala slated to hold in Kigali in December.
The Formula 1 has shown interest in including a race in Africa to solidify its position as a global championship. The Kyalami Circuit in South Africa was once the top contender for this, but efforts to include it in the 2024 schedule came to a halt last year.
Leading figures, including eight-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, have advocated for the organization of a grand prix in South Africa.
The cost of hosting a Formula 1 race is in excess of $50 million, with some races being estimated to have cost as much as $500 million, particularly in Las Vegas. In the case of Rwanda, there will be a requirement for tens of millions of dollars to be invested in developing motor racing infrastructure and other necessities.
Critics have accused President Paul Kagame of Rwanda of engaging in sports washing by closely scrutinising the country’s partnerships with global sports organisations such as England’s Arsenal and France’s Paris St Germain football clubs.
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