This evening at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, President Paul Kagame attended the prestigious FIA Awards Ceremony and Dinner, celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The event honored top drivers, manufacturers, and teams from FIA Championships, including the Formula One World Championship, FIA World Rally Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship, FIA World Karting Championships, and FIA World Rallycross Championship, among others.

Marking a significant milestone, this is the first time the FIA Awards Ceremony has been held on African soil, underscoring the growing importance of Africa in the global motorsport arena.

The FIA General Assembly, also being hosted in Africa for the first time, represents another historic achievement. Speaking at the event, President Kagame highlighted the role of motorsport in uniting people across borders:

“In a world where various forces are pushing us apart, the values of sportsmanship should bring us closer together. It all comes down to respect and giving everyone the chance to contribute where they can.”

In a major announcement, President Kagame unveiled Rwanda’s ambition to bring Formula 1 back to Africa, declaring:

“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix.”

The announcement reflects Rwanda’s commitment to advancing its global profile in sports and motorsport, while also creating opportunities for aspiring African drivers and fostering deeper connections with motorsport fans across the continent.

The event’s milestones emphasize Africa’s growing significance in the global motorsport industry and signal a new era of inclusivity and engagement for the sport in the region.