South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Rwandan government on securing a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix from 2030.
In a message posted on X on Thursday morning, October 15, 2026, Ramaphosa said South Africa shared Rwanda’s excitement over being selected to host one of the world’s major motorsport events.
“On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, I extend my warm congratulations to President Paul Kagame and the people of Rwanda on the 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix,” he said.
Ramaphosa said his country was pleased that Rwanda was preparing to bring pride to the African continent by hosting the race at a circuit planned for Bugesera District, which is expected to be completed in early 2030.
“The agreement demonstrates the capabilities of Rwanda as a nation, as well as those of the African continent as a whole. South Africa hosted the first Grand Prix on the African continent in 1993 and has organised other major international events. It looks forward to providing any support and assistance that may be required,” he said.
The Formula 1 African Grand Prix would add to the list of major international events Rwanda has hosted, including the UCI Road World Championships, the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, the 2023 FIFA Congress, the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the 2024 FIA General Assemblies and the FIA awards ceremony.
On Tuesday, October 13, President Kagame officially announced that Rwanda would host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix under a 10-year agreement starting in 2030. The announcement was made at BK Arena.
The race was last held in Africa in 1993, when South Africa hosted it. The two countries had competed for the opportunity to host the event again, with Rwanda ultimately securing the agreement.
The first Formula 1 race in Rwanda is expected to take place once a purpose-built motorsport circuit in Bugesera District is completed. Construction is expected to be finished in early 2030.
