President Paul Kagame made the remarks on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during an event at BK Arena in Kigali, where Rwanda’s plans to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix for 10 years were announced.

“I am pleased today to formally announce that Rwanda has been working hard for some time to prepare to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix in early 2030,” Kagame said.

He said Rwanda was looking forward to being part of an initiative that could give Africa greater visibility in international sport.

Kagame described the partnership as an important milestone for the continent, adding that the race should help create opportunities for other major motorsport competitions to take place in Africa.

“This partnership has been a long time coming and is a victory for the entire African continent,” he said, expressing hope that the African Grand Prix would pave the way for more races on the continent.

Formula 1 Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali also welcomed the announcement, describing it as the start of a new chapter for the sport.

He said Formula 1 had long wanted to return to Africa, a continent he described as rich in history, culture, talent and opportunity.

Domenicali said the sport had spent years looking for the right opportunity to return, stressing the importance of having a clear vision and a suitable partner.

“Rwanda is that partner,” he said.

The planned race would mark Formula 1’s return to Africa after 33 years. The continent last hosted a Grand Prix in South Africa in 1993.

Further details are expected in the coming days, including the date of the first race, plans for building the circuit and activities scheduled for the race weekend.

For Rwanda, hosting the event would add to its efforts to attract major international sporting competitions and raise its profile on the global stage. The announcement also puts the spotlight on Africa’s long-standing ambition to regain a place on the Formula 1 calendar.