Rwanda announces intention to bid for Formula One Grand Prix
The Peninsula
Kigali: President Paul Kagame announced on Friday Rwanda would bid to host a Formula One race in the capital Kigali. The Great Lakes nation has bee...
Kigali: President Paul Kagame announced on Friday Rwanda would bid to host a Formula One race in the capital Kigali.
The Great Lakes nation has been actively pursuing plans to host an F1 Grand Prix, aiming to return the sport to Africa for the first time since 1993.
It is the latest step in the country's broader strategy to use sports to enhance economic growth, tourism, and global visibility -- denounced by critics of Kagame's government as 'sportwashing'.
"I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa, by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix," Kagame said at the opening of FIA General Assemblies in Kigali.
The Rwandan leader welcomed the FIA General Assembly being held on the continent as an "important milestone"