PRETORIA, South Africa – South Africa has congratulated Rwanda on securing a 10-year agreement to host a Formula 1 African Grand Prix, offering to share its experience in organising major international sporting events as the continent prepares for the proposed race in the early 2030s.
In a statement issued on behalf of the South African government and people, the country congratulated Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Rwanda on the agreement, describing it as recognition of the capabilities of the Rwandan nation and Africa more broadly.
South Africa said it shared Rwanda’s pride in preparing to host the globally prestigious motorsport event at the planned Bugesera circuit.
The statement also highlighted South Africa’s own history in Formula 1, noting that it hosted the first Grand Prix on African soil in 1993 and has organised other major global events.
“As host of the first Grand Prix on African soil in 1993, and organiser of other major global events, South Africa will be happy to provide any support we may be invited to share,” the statement said.
The offer places South Africa’s experience in international event hosting at the centre of its response to Rwanda’s milestone, while signalling potential cooperation between the two countries as preparations for the proposed Grand Prix advance.
South Africa Says Rwanda’s Deal Is A Win For Africa
South Africa described the agreement as an important achievement for Rwanda and the continent, saying the race would help demonstrate Africa’s capacity to host globally recognised sporting competitions.
The statement praised Rwanda’s growing portfolio of international events, including the Tour du Rwanda cycling race, which is classified by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
South Africa said the Formula 1 African Grand Prix would add to Rwanda’s growing collection of major international sporting events and could help take motorsport on the continent to new heights.
“Congratulations, Rwanda. You are in pole position to make all of Africa proud and take motorsport to new heights,” the statement said.
South Africa Draws On Its Formula 1 History
South Africa’s message also recalled its place in Formula 1 history, citing the 1993 Grand Prix as evidence of the country’s experience in hosting the sport on the continent.
Its offer to assist Rwanda, if invited, could provide an avenue for sharing expertise in event organisation and other areas associated with staging international sporting competitions.
Rwanda’s planned Bugesera circuit is expected to host the proposed Grand Prix from the early 2030s under the 10-year agreement.
The announcement has renewed attention on Africa’s role in global motorsport, with South Africa expressing support for Rwanda’s plans and framing the development as an opportunity for the continent to gain greater visibility on the international sporting stage.
