Rwanda is reportedly close to securing a place on the Formula 1 calendar from 2030, in a development that could bring the championship back to Africa after a 37-year absence.

Reports published this week said an agreement had been reached for Rwanda to host a Grand Prix, with sources in the Rwandan government and close to the sport’s governing body indicating that an official announcement could follow soon.

However, Formula 1, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Rwandan government had yet to formally confirm the deal as of the latest reports. The proposed 2030 race should therefore be regarded as a reported agreement rather than a confirmed fixture on the championship calendar.

If finalised, the race would mark Formula 1’s return to the continent for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, near Johannesburg.

Rwanda formally announced its ambition to host a Formula 1 race in December 2024, when President Paul Kagame addressed motorsport officials during an FIA gathering in Kigali. The country has since pursued plans to establish itself as a destination for major international sporting events.

The proposed Grand Prix circuit is expected to be built near Bugesera International Airport, about 40 kilometres from Kigali. The project has been linked to WurzDesign, the company founded by former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz.

The proposed facility would require significant construction and supporting infrastructure before it could host a race. Its completion, along with the necessary approvals and final agreement with Formula 1, would be essential to delivering the reported 2030 target.

Rwanda’s bid has emerged amid renewed efforts to bring Formula 1 back to Africa, with South Africa also pursuing a return to the calendar through proposals involving the historic Kyalami circuit and other potential venues.

The possibility of a Rwandan Grand Prix has attracted attention from drivers, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has previously called for Formula 1 to return to Africa. Hamilton and other drivers have expressed enthusiasm about the prospect as reports of progress in Rwanda’s bid have gathered pace.

Rwanda has used international sporting events and partnerships to raise its profile and attract visitors and investment. The country hosted the FIA General Assembly and awards ceremony in 2024 and has also staged major international cycling events.

The proposed Grand Prix would add motorsport to that strategy, although the scale of the project means its delivery will depend on infrastructure development, investment and formal approval.