In a post on X on October 15, 2026, Kagame welcomed Ramaphosa’s message and his offer to support Rwanda as it prepares to host the prestigious motorsport competition.

“Thank you very much, my brother President Cyril Ramaphosa, for your congratulatory message and your offer of support,” Kagame said.

He added that Rwanda looked forward to working with South Africa and other partners to make the event a success and raise the profile of motorsport across Africa.

Ramaphosa had earlier congratulated Rwanda, describing the agreement as an important achievement for the country and the continent.

Speaking on behalf of the South African government and people, he praised Kagame, the Rwandan government and its citizens for securing the 10-year deal.

Ramaphosa said the agreement showed that Rwanda and Africa more broadly had the capacity to host major international sporting events.

He also offered South Africa’s support, saying his country was ready to share its experience in organising major competitions and other international events.

South Africa was also among the countries interested in hosting Formula 1. However, Ramaphosa said Rwanda’s selection was an achievement that deserved to be celebrated across the continent.

The FIA, motorsport’s governing body, announced on October 13, 2026, that Rwanda would host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix under a 10-year agreement beginning in the early 2030s.

The announcement was made during a ceremony at BK Arena in Kigali attended by Kagame and senior officials from Formula 1 and the FIA.

The race is planned for a new circuit to be built in Bugesera District, near the site of the new Kigali International Airport, which is under construction. The circuit is expected to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, the highest level of certification required for Formula 1 venues.

If the plans proceed, the race will mark Formula 1’s return to Africa after more than three decades. The continent last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993, when South Africa staged the race.