South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, has congratulated Rwanda on securing a 10-year agreement to host Formula 1’s African Grand Prix, while insisting that the achievement should open the door for more races across the continent.

McKenzie says Africa should not be restricted to a single event on the Formula 1 calendar, arguing that the continent has the potential to accommodate multiple races, just as other regions enjoy greater representation in the championship.

His comments follow Formula 1’s confirmation of Rwanda as the host of a new Grand Prix from the early 2030s, ending more than three decades of absence from the African continent.

The race will take place at a planned circuit in Bugesera, near Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, under a 10-year agreement.

While celebrating Rwanda’s success, McKenzie has maintained that South Africa’s own ambitions to return to the Formula 1 calendar remain alive, with the government targeting a possible race in 2028 or 2029.

The minister has described the process as “not a zero-sum game”, rejecting suggestions that Rwanda’s selection automatically means South Africa has lost its opportunity to host the championship.

He argues that the addition of Rwanda should be viewed as progress for African motorsport rather than a setback for other countries seeking to attract the competition.

McKenzie has also questioned why Africa, with its many countries and growing sporting ambitions, should settle for one Grand Prix when Europe hosts multiple races. He cited Europe’s seven races as a comparison in making the case for broader African representation.

South Africa has continued working towards securing a place on the calendar, with McKenzie indicating that discussions with potential sponsors form part of the country's efforts.

The country has previously explored options for bringing Formula 1 back, including the possibility of using the historic Kyalami circuit.

Formula 1 last raced in Africa at the South African Grand Prix in 1993, making Rwanda’s successful bid a significant development for the sport on the continent.

With Rwanda preparing for its debut and South Africa continuing to pursue its own ambitions, attention will turn to whether Formula 1 can create room for more than one African destination.

For McKenzie, Rwanda’s breakthrough should be the beginning of a broader continental opportunity, not the limit of Africa’s Formula 1 ambitions.

By: Addy Kennedy Edem