Cyril Ramaphosa Congratulates Rwanda on F1 Deal As Africans Celebrate Historic Grand Prix Return
- President Cyril Ramaphosa posted a congratulatory message to Rwanda and President Paul Kagame on X
- Rwanda signed a 10-year agreement with Formula 1 to host the African Grand Prix at the new Bugesera circuit
- Ramaphosa's message earned praise from many across the African continent, who praised the spirit of unity
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG — President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended South Africa's official congratulations to Rwanda after the East African nation secured a landmark 10-year deal to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix.
Ramaphosa posted the congratulatory message on X on 15 October 2026, addressing both President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan people directly. He praised the agreement as a reflection of Rwanda's national capabilities and the wider potential of the African continent.
"South Africa shares in the pride with which Rwanda is preparing to fly the chequered flag for our continent with the hosting of a globally prestigious event at the planned Bugesera circuit from the early 2030s," Ramaphosa wrote on X.
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South Africa has also been pushing to host an F1 race, with Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie leading the charge.
F1 returns to Africa after three decades
Rwanda's agreement with Formula 1 will see the African Grand Prix hosted at the newly planned Bugesera circuit. The race is scheduled to begin in the early 2030s, making it the first Formula 1 event on African soil since South Africa hosted the 1993 Grand Prix at Kyalami.
Ramaphosa noted South Africa's own experience as the continent's most recent Grand Prix host, offering Kigali any support it may request as preparations advance.
He also pointed to Rwanda's track record in staging major international sporting events, citing the UCI-classified Tour du Rwanda cycling race as evidence of the country's organisational capabilities.
"This contract is a recognition of the capabilities of the Rwandan nation and of our continent more broadly," the president added, calling the African Grand Prix "another lustrous addition to Rwanda's growing collection of top international events."
Continental pride drives online reaction
The post drew enthusiastic responses from social media users across the region, many of whom framed the deal as a collective African achievement.
@GByaruhanga01 wrote:
"Thank you, Mr President, Rwanda's win belongs to the entire continent and the great people of Africa."
@MutanganaEmmy_ said:
"The return of a world-class motorsport event like Formula 1 to Africa after so many years is a historic milestone for our continent."
@byukavuba added:
"The African Grand Prix is for all Africans, and we'll celebrate it together as one continent."
@gitembas2020 described the moment as emblematic of a broader vision:
"This is the Africa we want. A united Africa, same goals and sharing successes."
@byukavuba agreed:
"Things we love to see. The African Grand Prix is for all Africans, and we’ll celebrate it together as one continent."
McKenzie insists SA can still host F1 race before Rwanda
Briefly News reported that McKenzie addressed public concerns after Rwanda secured a 10-year deal to host an African Formula 1 Grand Prix.
McKenzie pushed back against the narrative that Rwanda had beaten South Africa, clarifying how the F1 application process works.
South Africans weighed in on the minister's latest comments about the race, sharing varied reactions to his statement.
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Source: Briefly News
