RWANDA is taking bold steps to elevate its global profile by exploring the possibility of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix, a move that underscores President Paul Kagame’s ambitions to transform the small, landlocked nation into a global sporting powerhouse. Once synonymous with the devastating genocide of 1994, Rwanda has since rebranded itself as a leader in Africa through significant economic, political, and military initiatives. Now, Kagame is looking to the world of sport to enhance the country’s international standing.
Talks with Formula 1 executives
The Rwandan government is in exploratory talks with Formula 1 executives about bringing the prestigious racing event to Kigali. Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, has confirmed that discussions are ongoing, describing Rwanda’s proposal as ‘serious’ and backed by a ‘good plan.’ Rwanda’s efforts to host a Grand Prix come as part of a broader strategy to position itself as a player in global sports, following in the footsteps of countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Challenges of Hosting Formula 1
However, the prospect of a Formula 1 race in Rwanda is both ambitious and controversial. With the country’s GDP standing at just $14.1bn and no existing race track, hosting such an event would require substantial investment—potentially billions of dollars. Critics argue that Rwanda’s limited financial resources, heavily reliant on foreign aid, make this a high-stakes gamble.
Kagame’s government has already made significant inroads into the world of sports. Rwanda has inked sponsorship deals with top European football clubs like Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, developed a partnership with the NBA, and is set to host the World Championships for road cycling in 2025. The president has also cultivated strong ties with FIFA, which held its annual meeting in Rwanda last year.
Accusations of ‘sportswashing’
But Rwanda’s growing involvement in international sports has sparked accusations of ‘sportswashing’—using sporting events to divert attention from human rights abuses and governance issues. Kagame, who won re-election with 99.2 percent of the vote in 2024, has been accused of using increasingly repressive tactics to maintain his grip on power, with reports of political intimidation, arrests, and even deaths of his critics. Human Rights Watch and other organisations have raised concerns about Rwanda’s human rights record, urging Formula 1 and other global sporting bodies to conduct thorough due diligence before partnering with the country.
Government’s defence of the initiative
Yolande Makolo, a spokeswoman for the Rwandan government, defended the initiative, telling The Associated Press (AP), ‘Rwanda’s interest in Formula 1 aligns with our strategy to leverage sports for transformative impact. We seek every opportunity to drive forward Rwanda’s development, including through global sporting partnerships.’ Hosting a Formula 1 race, she argued, would move Rwanda from being a consumer of sport to a participant in the business of global sports.
Rwanda faces stiff competition from other African nations vying for a Formula 1 race. South Africa, which last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993, and Morocco, which hosted 13 races between 1925 and 1958, are both reportedly keen to re-enter the race calendar.
Despite the economic risks, experts suggest that Rwanda’s ambition could yield significant dividends. If successful, hosting a Grand Prix could boost tourism, attract foreign investment, and place Rwanda on the global sporting map. However, as Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economy, noted, ‘Sporting events are incredibly expensive to stage, and the net impact is often negative rather than positive. For Rwanda, given its relative economic weakness, this will be a concern.’
While Kagame’s sports strategy draws comparisons to the approaches taken by wealthier nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Rwanda’s financial constraints could make the pursuit of such high-profile sporting events more challenging. Nevertheless, Kagame’s determination to position Rwanda as a global sporting destination remains clear, despite the criticisms and potential risks involved.
