Rwanda : an ambitious bid for Formula 1

By Emmanuel Kanamugire, Kigali, Rwanda

“I am pleased to officially announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the extraordinary race to the African continent by hosting the Formula One Grand Prix, » said President Kagame, expressing his excitement at the opportunity. « I thank Stefano Domenicali and the entire Formula One team for the positive discussions we have had so far. »

The announcement comes at a time when Rwanda is undergoing significant transformations in its sports infrastructure. The country has already made substantial investments in world-class facilities like the BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium, which can accommodate 45,000 spectators. Additionally, Rwanda’s continued development of sports infrastructure, including projects like Zaria Court, demonstrates the country’s commitment to becoming a global hub for sporting events.

Together, we will build something that we will all be proud of

Kagame assured the FIA of Rwanda’s dedication to the project, emphasizing that the country is approaching the F1 bid with a sense of responsibility and determination. « I assure you that we are approaching this with the necessary commitment. Together, we will build something that we will all be proud of, » he added.

In an interview with Motorsport.com earlier in the year, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his enthusiasm about Rwanda’s potential, revealing that the country had presented a solid plan for a permanent F1 track. « They are serious. They have presented a good plan and actually, we have a meeting with them at the end of September. It will be on a permanent track, » he stated, signaling strong support for Rwanda’s bid.

Together, we can position Africa as a global leader in sustainable mobility

The FIA General Assemblies in Rwanda also highlighted the importance of sustainable mobility, a theme that was central to the event. Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, emphasized Africa’s potential to lead the world in green mobility solutions. « Together, we can position Africa as a global leader in sustainable mobility, building systems that reflect the resilience, innovation, and unity of our continent, » she stated. Transport is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and Rwanda’s initiatives are already setting the stage for a greener future.

Starting in January 2025, Rwanda will exclusively register electric motorcycles for public transport in Kigali, significantly reducing emissions while promoting green mobility solutions.

The FIA Foundation, known for advocating safe and sustainable mobility, has been instrumental in supporting such projects globally. FIA President Ben Mohamed Sulayem affirmed, « Sustainability is a core element for all work in the FIA. But it’s not just an element, it’s also a responsibility that we care about. From sport and mobility, we are constantly striving to create a greener future. »

In another major development, Rwanda officially launched a helmet testing laboratory in partnership with the FIA Foundation and the UN Road Safety Fund. The laboratory, inaugurated on December 11, 2024, will ensure that helmets used by motorbike riders meet national safety standards. This initiative is a testament to Rwanda’s growing commitment to road safety and innovative approaches to ensure public well-being.

The FIA General Assemblies concluded with a grand awards ceremony, which celebrated the top performers in 16 categories, including Karting, Formula 2, Rally, Formula E, Endurance, and Rallycross. The event also marked the 120th anniversary of the FIA’s founding.

As the African continent looks to future opportunities in motorsport and sustainable development, Rwanda’s bid to host Formula One represents a bold vision for the future.

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