Rwanda looks set to host Formula 1’s first African Grand Prix in more than 30 years. Motorsport site RacingNews365 first reported the deal, citing paddock sources, as GrandPrix.com relayed.

AFP later reported the news, citing its own sources, Semafor said. Neither F1, the FIA nor Rwanda’s government has confirmed it.

A track near Kigali

The race would take place on a new permanent circuit near Bugesera International Airport, outside the capital Kigali. A firm run by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz is designing it.

The first race is expected no earlier than 2030. Africa last hosted F1 at Kyalami, near Johannesburg, in 1993.

President Paul Kagame launched the bid in December 2024. It is part of a wider push to raise Rwanda’s profile through sport, which has included hosting the road cycling world championships.

South Africa wants its own race

South Africa also bid for the race. Its sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, appeared to accept the loss on social media.

“We are happy for Rwanda’s 2030 F1,” he wrote, according to African Business. “SA will get F1, even before 2030.”

Rights groups accuse Rwanda of using sport to clean up its image while silencing critics, Semafor said. The government denies this.

F1 has been reshaped by tech money in recent years, and has long sought to expand into new regions.