FIA 2024 : Kigali, at the heart of sustainable innovation and motorsport
Rwanda will host a key FIA event on December 12, focusing on sustainable mobility and motorsport. With themes of innovation, sustainability, and international visibility, Kigali is reinforcing its position as a sports and economic hub in Africa.
By Dounia Ben Mohamed, Kigali
On December 12, Kigali will be the venue for a major event in the FIA’s Sustainable Innovation Series, under the theme “A Just Transition for Africa.” This gathering will bring together policymakers, experts, and key players to discuss sustainability in mobility and motorsport across the continent.
“The FIA is committed to a safe, sustainable, and inclusive future for mobility and motorsport. Africa will play a pivotal role in this vision…”
With the presence of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, and Rwanda Automobile Club President Christian Gakwaya, the event will spotlight crucial topics such as decarbonization, used vehicle regulation, and sustainable tourism.
“The FIA is committed to a safe, sustainable, and inclusive future for mobility and motorsport. Africa will play a pivotal role in this vision, and this event is an opportunity to explore collaboration pathways to achieve our shared goals,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Additionally, the FIA General Assemblies will also take place in Kigali, gathering representatives from 243 member clubs to discuss sport, road safety, and sustainability.
Since 2020, the FIA has aimed to cut its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality for its global championships by 2040. The federation has already made notable progress, introducing sustainability requirements in its championships, expanding its environmental accreditation program, and striving to power all race cars with sustainable energy by 2027.
Rwanda, a regional sustainability model
Rwanda’s selection as host is no coincidence. The country stands out as a regional leader in sustainability. In November, Kigali launched a climate and nature financing strategy, complementing its initiatives promoting electric vehicles, clean energy, and biodiversity conservation.
“As part of our climate action plan, Rwanda aims to cut emissions by 38% by 2030. Transitioning to electric vehicles is a key lever for promoting green mobility and protecting our planet,” emphasized Dr. Valentine Uwamariya.
“This event is a milestone for our continent. It reflects our shared commitment to innovating sustainably in mobility. Africa is experiencing unprecedented growth; it’s time to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in sustainable transport,” added Christian Gakwaya, President of the Rwanda Automobile Club.
Furthermore, Rwanda is asserting itself as a prime destination for major international events, leveraging sports and business as drivers of its development.
A development strategy through sports
Following its hosting of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and investments in cycling, Kigali is gearing up to organize the 2025 UCI Cycling World Championships, a first for Africa. With the FIA, Rwanda is solidifying its presence on the global stage. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to position Rwanda as a sports and economic hub while highlighting its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The anticipated benefits include increased visibility, foreign investments, and a positive impact on tourism and infrastructure sectors. This aligns with an ambitious roadmap in which sports play a central role in Rwanda’s economic and tourism positioning.
Strategic partnerships, such as those with Arsenal F.C. and Paris Saint-Germain F.C., have boosted the country’s global profile. These collaborations have driven up tourism revenues, strengthened eco-tourism, and attracted investors.
South Africa and Morocco in the race
The Kigali Arena, the Gahanga Cricket Stadium, and the Kigali Golf Course exemplify Rwanda’s commitment to sports infrastructure. Hosting international competitions like the Basketball Africa League and AfroBasket has already provided Rwanda with significant visibility. Rwanda will also host the 2025 UCI Cycling World Championships, marking a historic first for Africa.
Meanwhile, discussions around hosting a Formula 1 race continue. “Hosting a Formula 1 race would transition the country from being a sports consumer to becoming a participant in the sports business,” remarked Yolande Makolo, Rwanda’s government spokesperson. She added: “Rwanda’s interest in Formula 1 aligns with our strategy to leverage sports for transformative impact. We’re exploring every opportunity to advance Rwanda’s development, including through global sports partnerships.”
However, Rwanda is not alone in its ambitions. South Africa, host of the last African Grand Prix in 1993, and Morocco, which held 13 races between 1925 and 1958, are also contenders for the return of this prestigious event.
On December 13, the FIA will celebrate its 120th anniversary in Kigali with its annual awards ceremony. Champions from F1, FE, WRC, Karting, and more will be honored in a fresh format broadcast on the FIA’s social media channels.
For more information and registration: FIA Events Registration.
