Formula One in Rwanda: Sportswashing claims vs. hopes for African legacy

Rwanda has confirmed it will host Formula One races starting in the early 2030s, marking a significant expansion of the East African nation’s sporting ambitions. The proposed track will be constructed in Bugesera, near Kigali International Airport, which is partially owned by Qatar Airways, an official sponsor of the Formula One World Championship. The announcement has sparked both optimism and criticism, with some viewing it as a milestone for African motorsport while others raise concerns about potential implications for human rights. South African presenter and content creator Nqobile Khwezi expressed enthusiasm for the development, stating she was “more than happy” to witness Formula One returning to the continent during her lifetime. She noted that the last Formula One race in Africa took place at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa in 1993, long before her birth. Khwezi added that bringing Formula One back to Africa would provide an opportunity to showcase the continent to a global audience. Formula One itself emphasized the potential benefits for the host nation, saying through the race, it could “inspire and bring the passion of F1 to our more than 100 million fans across Africa.” A spokesperson for the organization stated it believed sport could serve as a “positive force for good.” President Paul Kagame’s involvement in sports has not been unexpected, given his prior investments in European football and the NBA. Rwanda previously sponsored Bayern Munich, though the Bundesliga club ended its commercial partnership with the country’s tourism agency, Visit Rwanda, following public and media backlash. Now, Kagame’s sports portfolio includes Formula One, having secured the sport’s return to Africa. Critics, however, argue that Rwanda’s pursuit of high-profile sporting events raises concerns about “sportswashing,” a term used to describe efforts to improve a nation’s image through sports despite ongoing human rights issues. Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch, acknowledged that the deal might yield positive economic and social effects across Africa but warned against ignoring the realities on the ground in Rwanda. He noted that Human Rights Watch had written to Formula One in February 2025 seeking clarification on how the organization addresses human rights impacts of its activities, including in Rwanda. No response was received. Mudge pointed out that Rwanda has historically used major sporting events to divert attention from its poor human rights record. He cited Rwanda’s alleged role in supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with its military forces linked to unlawful displacement and civilian casualties violating international humanitarian law. Mohamed Keita, Senior Policy Officer for Africa at the Human Rights Foundation, echoed these concerns, calling the decision to select Rwanda for Formula One “deeply controversial.” He described Rwanda as a “brutal dictatorship” facing partial U.S. sanctions due to its military operations in eastern DRC. According to Keita, Rwanda is also arming and funding a militia involved in crimes such as rape, massacre, forced recruitment, and the violent exploitation of natural resources. Formula One has a historical presence in Africa, with races held in Morocco in 1958 and in South Africa, where the last Formula One race on the continent occurred at the Kyalami circuit in Johannesburg in 1993. However, many of these events were overshadowed by the policies of apartheid. Despite Rwanda securing the deal first, South Africa believes it may host a Formula One race before Rwanda does. When Rwanda announced its plans, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly sent a message expressing the country’s belief that it would host the event earlier. The situation highlights broader debates around the role of international sports organizations in engaging with nations whose records on human rights are contentious. As Formula One moves forward with its plans for Rwanda, the responses from stakeholders, both supportive and critical, will shape the narrative surrounding the event.