Frenchman Alain Prost claimed the last of his four Formula One world championships at the Kyalami Circuit near Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1993, the last time the continent hosted a Grand Prix. The event’s subsequent collapse brought Formula One’s presence in Africa to an abrupt end.
More than three decades later, Africa is preparing for a likely return to the sport’s calendar, with Rwanda securing a 10-year partnership to host a Grand Prix, with the inaugural race projected for the early 2030s.
South Africa and Morocco have also been linked to efforts to bring Formula One back to the continent, but Rwanda’s agreement marks a significant step towards making that ambition a reality.
For Rwanda, however, the proposed Grand Prix is beyond motor racing. The government sees it as an opportunity to attract investment, boost tourism, create jobs and develop technical skills, while positioning the country as a regional hub for business and international sporting events.
