Rwanda has submitted its bid to host the Formula-1 Grand Prix race. The announcement was made by the President Paul Kagame on Friday, Dec 13, 2024. If they win the bid then it will be the first F1 race that has returned to Africa, since the last was hosted in 1993.
Reportedly, the move has attracted a lot of criticism from the opponents of President Kagame, who accused him of ‘sport washing’. If this bid becomes successful then the event would be held in the capital of Rwanda ‘Kigali’.
However, this is not just a sudden decision as Rwanda has recently hosted the 2024 FIA Awards in Kigali.
The Rwandan authorities have been working for some time to bring F1 back to the African continent. The car race event is part of a wider national strategy to use sport as a tool to drive economic growth along with tourism and global visibility, which is a strategy that has faced domestic opposition.
Considering this, Paul Kagame at the opening of the FIA General Assembly, held in Kigali said that he is pleased to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of motor racing back to Africa by hosting Formula-1 Grand Prix.
President Kagame, the Rwandan leader praised the hosting of the FIA General Assembly on the continent as it marked a significant milestone. He said, “This reflects the motor sport industry’s aim to connect directly with fans and aspiring drivers in Africa. It is more about respect and giving everyone the opportunity to contribute wherever they can.”
Notably, some see this initiative as a case of ‘sport washing’, a term that refers to the use of high-profile international events to enhance the global reputation of the nation, while also masking serious human rights abuses as well as stifling free speech and restricting political freedoms.
Similar accusations were imposed on Arab countries as they focus on hosting major events and attracts the best athletes and competitions from all around the world.
Furthermore, the traditional sporting venues are shifting with boxing that are historically based in the US. These are now drawn to the Middle East where the significant investment is attracting top footballers and golfers.
Another sport is Tennis which is developing in non-traditional locations. African Government see sport as a tool to raise the profile of their wider activities and strengthen relations with countries. Making a bid for hosting F1 Grand Prix is also a part of this.