FIA General Assembly in Rwanda : a milestone for the development of Motorsport in Africa
The FIA General Assembly held in Rwanda marks a significant step for the development of motorsport in Africa. In this interview, Musa Locho, originally from Kenya and FIA’s technical delegate, shares his thoughts on the importance of this event, its impact on the continent's economy, and the role of motorsport in structuring infrastructure, creating jobs, and developing youth, as well as its potential to catalyze broader transformation.
What do the FIA General Assemblies held in Kigali represent for Rwanda and the continent?
First of all, it’s important to realize that this is the only congress we have had in Africa. This is a major breakthrough because it is the final meeting for the FIA, where they review the year, as all the competitions are now completed, and also ratify the new regulations for the following year. It’s also the awards ceremony for all motorsport disciplines worldwide. So, it’s a major event for Africa. Here we saw all the big names in motorsport, Thierry Neuville, Astor Pan, etc. This represents a victory not only for Rwanda but for all of Africa. We are all very happy and proud that Rwanda is hosting this event.
Can you tell us about the main topics or challenges discussed during this congress related to the development of motorsport in Africa?
The team representing Africa wants to promote a more inclusive agenda and give Africa more events so that we can also progress in this discipline.
Could you talk about the connection between motorsport, business, and economic development?
I can’t give exact statistics for Rwanda, but for example, on the global market, motorsport contributed about 5.5 billion dollars in 2023, and it is expected that this figure will reach more than 10 billion dollars by 2033. It directly injects money into economies.
How does this discipline contribute to the growth of modern infrastructure, job creation, and the development of specific skills across the continent?
For motorsport, when an event takes place somewhere, it has a direct impact on the local economy. For example, when we organize an event, whether in Nyamata, vendors come, products are sold, advertising is generated. It generates a lot of revenue in various sectors, that’s for sure.
Do you see a synergy between motorsport and other key sectors like tourism, education, or technology?
Yes, absolutely. Particularly tourism, because every time you have an event of this magnitude, you can imagine the number of people coming to Rwanda, including myself. It’s quite a significant number, and it has a ripple effect. These are the people who will spread the word about Rwanda, due to your warm invitation.
Another question concerns motorsport as a driver of development. How can these sports go beyond just entertainment to become a vehicle for transformation?
Motorsport encompasses many disciplines. As it grows, you find mechanics, drivers, controllers, doctors, all coming from various careers. If you had visited the BK Arena a few days ago, with the introduction of « Girls on Track, » you would have seen the joy and happiness these young girls felt just by driving go-karts. From there, surely, you will have one or two people, if not more, who will join the motorsport industry. So, there’s an impact, whether direct or indirect.
How can motorsport-related projects inspire younger generations, especially in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields?
We organized a seminar yesterday with around 100 students from various universities in Kigali, and they had the opportunity to discover all the opportunities that motorsport offers. Many of them were very enthusiastic, asked questions, interacted, and I’m sure that from this seminar, you will have 50 other people who will pursue a career related to motorsport.
Are there other initiatives or concrete examples showing how motorsport has already contributed to positive change in Africa or elsewhere?
Yes, because the FIA has many programs, and as I mentioned, like « Girls on Track, » it has a very strong environmental code, a very solid mobility section that deals with driving, road accidents, safety, etc. This has a great impact on all its member states, including Rwanda.
Are there milestones you see in terms of motorsport development in Rwanda?
Yes, after this event, you know well that Rwanda is positioning itself to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and I know that with the cooperation and hard work of President Gakwaya, as well as the support of the government, it is entirely feasible. And if Rwanda succeeds, it will be a victory for all of Africa.
