AU hails Formula 1's return to Africa as significant milestone

ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has welcomed the agreement to bring Formula 1 to Rwanda, describing it as a significant milestone for African sport and a testament to the continent's growing potential to host world-class international sporting events.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton on his way to a third place finishing during the F1 Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, March 15, 2026. (File photo: Xinhua)

In a press statement issued on Friday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf commended Rwanda for this achievement. He underscored the strategic importance of major international sporting events in enhancing Africa's global visibility, attracting investment, promoting tourism, developing local expertise, and expanding opportunities for the continent's youth.

The chairperson of the 55-member continental organization emphasized the role of sport as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, job creation, youth empowerment, and regional integration.

He underscored the importance of leveraging such initiatives to strengthen Africa's participation in the global sports economy, promote public-private partnerships, and unlock the continent's creative and entrepreneurial potential.

Youssouf noted that the initiative is aligned with the aspirations of the AU's 50-year continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063, particularly the pursuit of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.

The statement came after Rwanda and Formula 1 recently announced the deal for the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, with the country set to host races from the early 2030s under a 10-year agreement, marking the sport's return to the African continent for the first time since 1993.

The long-term agreement will see the first race in the country once a new purpose-built circuit in eastern Rwanda's Bugesera District is completed. The circuit is expected to be completed early in the next decade.