Efforts are intensifying to bring Formula 1 racing back to the African continent for the first time in more than three decades. With the last African Grand Prix held at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit in 1993, a renewed push backed by motorsport bodies, national governments, and private investors is underway to secure Africa’s return to the global racing calendar by 2027.
Several countries are now emerging as potential hosts, most notably South Africa and Rwanda. South Africa is leveraging both its motorsport legacy and existing infrastructure, while Rwanda is offering an ambitious vision centered around a new purpose-built circuit. Both nations are aiming to position themselves as the future home of Formula 1 in Africa.
In Rwanda, plans are being advanced for a circuit near Bugesera International Airport, just outside Kigali. The proposed track has been designed by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz and is being backed by Rwanda’s broader ambition to become a regional hub for high-tech sports and events. The government has targeted completion in time to bid for a 2027 race slot.
Meanwhile, South Africa is presenting two options for consideration: a major upgrade to the historic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit near Johannesburg and a proposal for a scenic street circuit through Cape Town’s Green Point precinct. Kyalami currently holds an FIA Grade 2 certification and would require relatively minor investment to meet the Grade 1 standard required for F1. Cape Town, on the other hand, has already demonstrated its capacity for international events, having hosted the Formula E race in 2023.
Formula 1 leadership has previously expressed interest in returning to Africa, citing the importance of global inclusivity and the commercial potential of the African market. Africa is currently the only inhabited continent without a Grand Prix, and industry observers have long called for a return to a region that boasts a strong car culture and a growing middle class.
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The commercial and political appetite for a Grand Prix in Africa has grown steadily in recent years. In South Africa, government officials have formed a steering committee to evaluate the viability of both proposed sites. The decision is expected to be made later this year and will be based on logistical readiness, financial planning, and long-term sustainability.
While the ambition is clear, challenges remain. Hosting a Formula 1 race demands significant investment, often exceeding $250 million over the life of a multi-year contract. Infrastructure development, crowd management, transport networks, and regulatory compliance are all part of the logistical equation. Both Rwanda and South Africa are currently working to secure private sector backing and international partnerships to meet these requirements.
In addition to infrastructure and funding, host cities must also demonstrate a long-term commitment to motorsport development, including support for grassroots racing, safety programs, and local talent pipelines. These aspects are increasingly important as Formula 1 seeks to position itself not just as a sport but as a platform for innovation, youth engagement, and sustainability.
Looking ahead, both South Africa and Rwanda are preparing to submit formal bids for inclusion on the 2027 calendar. This timing aligns with the possible exit of other circuits in Europe and Asia, opening space for a new entrant from Africa. The final decision will rest with Formula 1’s governing bodies, influenced by commercial terms, calendar logistics, and regional strategic priorities.
If successful, the return of Formula 1 to Africa would mark a significant milestone for the sport and the continent. Beyond the economic impact estimated to reach hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism, media, and infrastructure, the move would signal Africa’s growing prominence in the global sporting and entertainment landscape.
