There’s a new motorsport arms race unfolding on the continent, one with global attention and local pride at stake.
South Africa’s iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is edging closer to an F1 comeback. Recently granted the green light for FIA Grade 1 upgrades, Kyalami is not just reengineering its tarmac; it’s reigniting decades of history.
The last time Formula 1 raced on African soil, it was right here in 1993. For many, a return to Kyalami feels not just overdue but necessary.
But while South Africa plays the legacy card, Morocco is betting big on ambition.
A US$1.2 billion motorsport megaproject is underway near Tangiers, aiming to build a state-of-the-art racetrack, luxury real estate, and a full economic zone around it. Backed by aggressive planning and strategic infrastructure development, Morocco is making a loud and clear pitch: Africa’s future F1 hub belongs north.
Then there’s Rwanda, quietly positioning itself with political will, strategic diplomacy, and continental branding clout. They may not have a track… yet… but the country has shown time and again it knows how to build globally relevant experiences from the ground up. The long game is in motion.
So the question isn’t if F1 will return to Africa. That ship has sailed.
The real question is: Who will win this race off-track? South Africa with its motorsport heritage? Morocco with its financial muscle? Or Rwanda with its diplomatic agility?
Each has a different strategy:
- South Africa: Proven history, existing circuit, strong fanbase.
- Morocco: Infrastructure investment, economic ecosystem, bold vision.
- Rwanda: Government coordination, soft power diplomacy, long-term play.
As someone who works in marketing and events strategist and also a motorsport advocate, I see a huge opportunity here: Africa doesn’t need just one Grand Prix. The continent is big enough, passionate enough, and growing fast enough to host multiple motorsport events… each showcasing a different cultural identity, landscape, and economic potential.
But let’s be real… legacy alone won’t cut it. Neither will just flashy promises. This is a test of logistics, lobbying, investment confidence, and vision.
F1 is coming back to Africa.
Whether it lands in Gauteng, Tangiers, or Kigali will depend on who treats this not just as a race, but as a continental statement.
Written by Samuel M. Opoku-Agyemang, a Marketing and Event Strategist, Motorsport Advocate and Head of the Motorsport Federation Ghana
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