President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Paul Kagame have exchanged warm messages after Rwanda secured a 10 year Formula 1 deal. Image credit
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Rwanda on securing a 10 year deal to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix. As Ramaphosa congratulates Rwanda, President Paul Kagame has responded with a warm message of his own, calling for the race to become a truly African event.
Ramaphosa posted his message on X on Thursday. According to reports, he was the first head of state to publicly congratulate Rwanda. He said South Africa shares Rwanda’s pride in hosting such a globally prestigious event. He also described the deal as a recognition of the capabilities of the Rwandan nation and of the continent more broadly.
Furthermore, Ramaphosa called the African Grand Prix another addition to Rwanda’s growing list of major international events, such as the Tour du Rwanda cycling race. He also offered South Africa’s support as Rwanda prepares for the race.
Kagame responds as Ramaphosa congratulates Rwanda
Kagame replied shortly afterwards. He thanked Ramaphosa, whom he called his dear brother, for his warm congratulations and offer of support. Kagame added that Rwanda looks forward to working with South Africa and everyone who shares the vision. He said Rwanda wants to make it a truly African Grand Prix in every way possible.
The exchange has drawn praise across the continent. Many people have welcomed the friendly tone between the two leaders, especially as South Africa had also hoped to host a Formula 1 race.
Rwanda signed the agreement with Formula 1 this week. Under the deal, the country will host the race at a new purpose built circuit in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali, next to its new international airport. The first race is expected in the early 2030s, once the circuit is complete.
The deal will bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time in more than three decades. South Africa hosted the last African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993, when Alain Prost won the race. As the last African host, South Africa has offered to share its experience with Rwanda.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also stressed the continental meaning of the race. He said it is not called Rwanda F1, it is called Africa. He also praised Rwanda’s sports minister, Nelly Mukazayire, as a very good negotiator.
According to Mukazayire, Rwanda’s plan goes beyond the racetrack. She said the project combines sport, entertainment and business, and aims to develop local talent, attract investment and create jobs.
South Africa’s Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie has also congratulated Rwanda. However, he says South Africa’s own bid remains active, and he believes Africa can host more than one Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, commentary across social media platforms has largely celebrated the deal as a win for the whole continent. One user described it as the Africa people want, united and sharing in each other’s success.