Formula One will officially return to the African continent for the first time since 1993 after Rwanda secured a landmark 10-year agreement to host an African Grand Prix set to launch in the early 2030s.

The historic announcement was made on Tuesday by Rwandan President Paul Kagame alongside Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem during a ceremony in Kigali.

The purpose-built, FIA Grade 1 racetrack will be constructed near Bugesera International Airport, roughly 40 kilometers south of the capital.

Designed by former Austrian F1 driver Alex Wurz's circuit firm, the six-kilometer anti-clockwise track will incorporate 17 corners and a 197-meter elevation shift that follows the natural terrain.

President Kagame hailed the partnership as an overdue milestone for both the nation and the continent.

"Rwanda has been working very hard towards hosting the African Grand Prix," Kagame stated. "Rwanda is happy and excited to be part of a journey that will change how Africa is conceived by the world of sports."

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the return as a moment of immense pride opening a new chapter in F1 history, while Stefano Domenicali referred to Africa as "the missing piece" in the championship’s global calendar.

The decision follows years of vocal advocacy from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has consistently lobbied F1 leadership to bring the sport back to Africa.

Reaffirming his position at the recent Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton noted that there was "no reason" for the sport to exclude the continent. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen also expressed enthusiasm for the project, recalling his previous visit to Rwanda and welcoming the initiative.

Formula One last raced on the continent in 1993 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa.