South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Rwandan President Paul Kagame and the people of Rwanda following the country’s selection to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix from early 2030, describing the development as a major milestone for Rwanda and the African continent.
In a message posted on X on October 15, 2026, Ramaphosa said South Africa welcomed Rwanda’s achievement and expressed his country’s readiness to provide any assistance needed in preparing for the international motorsport event.
“On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency President Paul Kagame, the government and the people of Rwanda on securing a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix,” Ramaphosa said.
He described Rwanda’s selection as a source of pride for the entire continent, saying it demonstrated African countries’ ability to organise major international events.
“South Africa shares Rwanda’s pride as it prepares to raise Africa’s flag by hosting this major global event at a circuit planned for construction in Bugesera in the early 2030s,” he said.
Ramaphosa added that the agreement recognised the capabilities of both Rwanda and Africa more broadly.
“This agreement is a testament to the recognition of the capabilities of the Rwandan people and the African continent as a whole,” he said.
South Africa, which was among the countries interested in hosting Formula 1, has also offered to share its experience in organising major international sporting events.
“As the country that hosted the last Grand Prix held in Africa in 1993, and having organised other major international events, South Africa would be pleased to provide any assistance required,” Ramaphosa said.
He noted that Formula 1 would add to Rwanda’s growing portfolio of international sporting events, including the Tour du Rwanda cycling race.
“The Formula 1 African Grand Prix is another exciting addition to the list of major international events that Rwanda continues to host, including the Tour du Rwanda, a cycling race on the calendar of the International Cycling Union,” he said.
Ramaphosa concluded his message by congratulating Rwanda and expressing confidence that the event would help Africa build on its achievements in motorsport.
“Congratulations, Rwanda. You are well positioned to make the entire continent proud and take motorsport to a new level,” he said.
Ramaphosa’s message follows the October 13, 2026, announcement by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) confirming that Rwanda had secured a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix from early 2030.
The announcement was made during a ceremony at BK Arena attended by President Kagame and senior Formula 1 and FIA officials.
The race would mark Formula 1’s return to Africa for the first time since 1993, when the last African Grand Prix was held in South Africa.
Rwanda plans to host the event at a modern circuit to be built in Bugesera District, near the new Kigali International Airport currently under construction. The facility is expected to meet FIA Grade 1 standards, which are required for hosting Formula 1 races.
Rwanda had been pursuing the opportunity for several years, with President Kagame publicly announcing the country’s bid in late 2024.
The race, expected to be supported by the Visit Rwanda brand, is anticipated to create opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and the development of sports infrastructure in the country.
KIGALI TIMES