Rwanda makes power bid for Formula 1 to return to Africa

Formula 1 has not raced in Africa since the last South African Grand Prix was held at Kyalami, north of Johannesburg, in 1993.

Kagame said in an opening address to the governing FIA's General Assembly: "I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix.

"A big thank you to (Formula 1 CEO) Stefano (Domenicali) and the entire team at F1, for the good progress in our discussions so far. I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment which it deserves. Together we will build something we can all be proud of," added Kagame.

Domenicali said in August that Rwanda wanted to host a race at a permanent circuit. Media reports say the track, to be designed by a company run by Austrian former F1 racer Alexander Wurz, would be located near a new international airport under construction at Bugesera some 40km from Kigali.

Seven-times F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton also said in August that the time was right for a race in Africa and he was working behind-the-scenes with both Rwanda and South Africa to try to make it happen.

"The time's 100% right. We can't be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa. I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things. Why are we not on that continent?" questioned the Briton.

The FIA is holding its general assemblies in Africa this week for the first time and the FIA's Emirati President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Rwanda's Sports Minister Richard Nyirihishema met earlier in Kigali.

FIA President Ben Sulayem said they discussed current and future opportunities to accelerate motorsport development in the country: "To be here in Rwanda for such an important moment in the FIA´s calendar is a testament to the strength of this nation, in particular its growing influence in motorsport.

"We are aligned on our values and shared goals across key sectors such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued partnership. The future of motorsport in Africa is bright," insisted Ben Sulayem.