Hichilema, Ramaphosa congratulate Kagame on Rwanda’s historic F1 deal

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have congratulated their Rwandan counterpart, President Paul Kagame, following the announcement of a 10-year agreement to bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time since 1993.

Hichilema praised Rwanda’s achievement, describing the agreement as a reflection of its resilience, vision and determination.

“Congratulations to my brother, President Paul Kagame and the people of Rwanda on securing the Formula 1 African Grand Prix. This historic achievement reflects your resilience, vision, and smart hard work,” Hichilema said, adding that Zambia shared Rwanda’s pride in the milestone.

Kagame welcomed the support, describing the agreement as an important moment for Rwanda and Africa.

He said the country looked forward to working with Hichilema and other African leaders to make the event a success for the continent.

Ramaphosa also congratulated Rwanda on behalf of the South African government and people, calling the agreement recognition of the capabilities of both Rwanda and Africa more broadly.

South Africa, which hosted the last Formula 1 Grand Prix on African soil at Kyalami in 1993, offered to share its experience if Rwanda sought assistance in preparing for the competition.

Ramaphosa said the race would add to Rwanda’s growing portfolio of international sporting events, including the Tour du Rwanda cycling race, and expressed confidence that the project could help advance motorsport across Africa.

In response, Kagame thanked his South African counterpart for the congratulations and offer of support, saying Rwanda wanted to work with partners who shared its ambition to establish a genuinely African Grand Prix.

Formula 1 announced on October 13 that the championship would return to Africa under a 10-year agreement, with the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, expected to join the calendar in the early 2030s.

The inaugural race will take place after construction of a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of Kigali, is completed.

According to Formula 1 and the FIA, the proposed circuit will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards as part of a wider sports, tourism, infrastructure and commercial development project led by the Rwanda Development Board.

The exact date of the first race has not yet been confirmed, and the circuit remains to be built.

Kagame has said the project should create opportunities for African fans and young people to engage with motorsport beyond watching races on television.

The agreement also forms part of Rwanda’s wider ambition to attract major international events and strengthen its position as a destination for global sport.

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