Africa’s next Grand Prix: Rwanda’s geopolitical hurdle and Morocco’s $1.2bn bid

Rwanda formally announced its bid in December 2024, proposing a permanent FIA Grade 1 circuit near Bugesera International Airport, approximately 25 to 40 kilometres from Kigali. The track is being designed by former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz and is expected to use Rwanda’s hilly terrain, forests and surrounding landscape to create a fast, flowing layout.

The project is central to Rwanda’s ambition to position itself as a destination for international sport and tourism. However, the bid has encountered a major political obstacle in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

The DRC has objected to Formula 1’s discussions with Rwanda against the backdrop of the conflict involving the M23 rebel movement in eastern Congo. In a letter to F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner urged the sport to end its negotiations with Rwanda and remove the country from consideration as a potential host.

The objection followed the capture of Goma by M23 rebels in early 2025. The DRC and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of supporting the group, allegations that Kigali has denied. The dispute has made Rwanda’s F1 campaign more than a sporting or infrastructure story: it has become a test of how far Formula 1 is prepared to separate commercial expansion from regional diplomacy and human-rights concerns.

Formula 1 said it was monitoring the situation and that potential races would be assessed in detail, with future decisions based on the best interests of the sport and its values. No African race has yet been confirmed, but F1 bosses are confident with the progress being made.

Rwanda is not the only serious proposal. Morocco has emerged with a separate project near Tangier, described as a roughly $1.2 billion motorsport and tourism complex. The plan includes a proposed Grade 1 circuit capable of hosting Formula 1, MotoGP and the World Endurance Championship, alongside hotels, a theme park, shopping facilities and a marina.

The Moroccan bid is being promoted by Eric Boullier, the former McLaren and Lotus team principal and former managing director of the French Grand Prix. Boullier has described the concept as a “mini-Abu Dhabi”, reflecting its aim to create a year-round tourism and entertainment destination rather than a circuit used for only one major event.

Reports say around $800 million in private investment has already been secured, although the project still requires approval at the highest level. Its location near Tangier and the Tanger Med port could also offer logistical advantages for Formula 1 teams travelling from Europe.

South Africa remains another contender, with a proposed return to the upgraded Kyalami circuit. For now, the African Grand Prix race remains open. Rwanda offers a new circuit and strong political ambition, Morocco a large private-sector-backed tourism complex, and South Africa the continent’s deepest Formula 1 history.