Formula One officials and Rwandan representatives confirmed on Tuesday that the country has secured a deal to host an African Grand Prix. The event is scheduled to take place in the early 2030s, ending a long absence of the sport on the African continent, which has not hosted a race since 1993. This agreement follows years of active pursuit by Rwandan officials, who have consistently utilized high-profile sporting events—including basketball and football—to promote the nation as a destination for tourism and foreign investment.

While the announcement marks a significant milestone for the sport’s global expansion, it has also drawn immediate criticism. Human rights organization Amnesty International has publicly condemned the partnership, characterizing the deal as a "sportswashing prize." The group argues that the event serves to distract from the country's human rights record rather than providing genuine development. Formula One has not yet issued a detailed rebuttal to these specific allegations, focusing instead on the logistical and strategic benefits of returning to the African market.