Africa's Formula 1 race heats up as Nigeria joins South Africa and Rwanda in bid to end 33-year wait

After more than three decades off the Formula 1 calendar, Africa's bid to host its first Grand Prix since 1993 is gaining momentum, with Nigeria joining South Africa and Rwanda in the race.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that Nigeria submitted an official bid to stage a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, joining South Africa and Rwanda in the race to host the sport's first African event since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.

Nigeria has appointed Opus Racing Promotions as its representative to engage with Formula One Management (FOM) and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), with officials describing the proposed Abuja race as part of a project reportedly worth about $500 million.

If successful, Nigeria would become the first West African nation to host a Formula 1 World Championship race.

The bid comes as Formula 1 continues expanding into new markets, with host countries increasingly viewing Grands Prix as catalysts for tourism, foreign investment and infrastructure development.

Three countries, one Formula 1 dream

While Nigeria is the newest contender, South Africa and Rwanda have been pursuing Formula 1's return for months.

South Africa is banking on its rich motorsport heritage, having hosted 23 Formula 1 World Championship races between 1962 and 1993.

Its campaign is built around the historic Kyalami Circuit, which has secured approval for the FIA Grade 1 upgrades required to host modern Formula 1 races.

Rwanda, meanwhile, is pitching a purpose-built circuit near the under-construction Bugesera International Airport.

The country officially launched its bid during the FIA General Assembly in Kigali in December 2024, with President Paul Kagame positioning the project as part of Rwanda's strategy to become a leading destination for international sporting events.

Africa's strongest bid in decades

Formula 1 has not raced in Africa for more than three decades despite expanding its calendar across the Middle East, Asia and North America.

The continent's absence has drawn repeated criticism from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has argued that the sport cannot truly be global without an African race.

Although only one country is likely to secure hosting rights, the emergence of bids from Nigeria, South Africa and Rwanda marks Africa's strongest collective push yet to reclaim a place on the Formula 1 calendar.

Each proposal offers a distinct advantage. Nigeria presents the continent's largest consumer market and a rapidly growing economy, South Africa offers a proven Formula 1 venue with decades of racing history, while Rwanda is promoting a modern, purpose-built circuit as part of its broader sports tourism ambitions.

With Formula 1's calendar already packed with 24 races, winning a place will require more than a world-class circuit.

Governments must also demonstrate commercial viability, infrastructure readiness and long-term commitment. Regardless of which bid succeeds, Africa's renewed drive signals that the continent is no longer waiting for Formula 1 to return but is actively competing to host it.

By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa