Rwanda is officially a candidate for the organization of a Grand Prix

The President of Rwanda Paul Kagame announced this Friday that his country would apply to organize a Formula 1 race which would take place in the capital, Kigali.

The Great Lakes country is actively pursuing plans to host an F1 Grand Prix, with the aim of bringing the sport back to Africa for the first time since 1993. The last world championship race held on the continent took place this year there in South Africa, on the Kyalami circuit. This is the latest step in a wider strategy to use sport to grow its tourism and global visibility.

An important step

“I am happy to officially announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring back the thrill of motor racing to Africa, by hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix”declared Mr. Kagame at the opening of the general assembly of the International Motorsport Federation (FIA) in Kigali.

The Rwandan leader welcomed the holding of this annual FIA congress on the continent as a “milestone”. According to him, it marks “the motorsport industry’s aim to connect directly with fans and aspiring drivers in Africa.”

Kagame accused by his opponents

Mr. Kagame’s opponents accuse his administration of practicing «sportswashing»that is, using high-profile international events to enhance its reputation, while covering up serious human rights violations, muzzling freedom of expression and restricting freedoms.

In August, Formula 1 bosses confirmed ongoing discussions with Rwanda regarding hosting a Grand Prix, and its chief executive Stefano Domenicali stressed the country was an option “serious”. The South African authorities also recently indicated that they wanted to welcome the premier category of motorsport back to Kyalami, but the circuit located near Johannesburg is no longer up to standard and must first undergo rehabilitation work.