Over the past few years, Rwanda has steadily signaled its ambition to become a serious player in global motorsport. The country has openly expressed interest in hosting a Formula One Grand Prix, with 2029 identified as a target year, while plans are in place for the construction of a Formula One–standard circuit near the new Bugesera International Airport. ALSO READ: Talks to host Formula One race by 2029 progressing – RDB boss These developments are designed not only to attract a premier global event, but also to position Rwanda as a motorsport destination in Africa. Yet beyond the excitement of hosting elite competitions lies at a more fundamental question: how can Rwanda nurture its own homegrown motorsport champions to fully capitalize on these investments? Several experts and enthusiasts in the sport have expressed optimism about capitalizing on the confidence the world is showing Rwanda and prepare a pool of Motorsport talent ready to pose a challenge once a Grand Prix comes to Rwandan soil. Building from the ground up For Queen Kalimpinya, a renowned female rally driver, Rwanda’s biggest challenge is not just ambition, but structure. She notes that financial barriers, limited infrastructure, and insufficient exposure to international racing standards continue to slow progress. “It will take dedication, investment, and a complete shift in how we approach motorsport development. We need to build from the grassroots up—starting with karting programs for children, creating pathways through regional competitions, and providing young drivers with the resources and mentorship they need to compete internationally,” she told Times Sport. Kalimpinya stresses that young drivers often lack consistent support systems. Access to proper cars, equipment, structured training programmes, and motorsport-specific mechanical knowledge remains limited, making it difficult for talent to mature into competitive athletes. “There is a Rwandan proverb which says, ‘Ijya kurisha ihera ku rugo’—everything begins at home,” she explained. “All world-class motorsport athletes first mastered their craft in local competitions. You cannot become a world champion without going through these foundational stages.” ALSO READ: Kagame says Rwanda's bid to host Formula 1 Grand Prix 'progressing well' She believes that investing intentionally in grassroots competitions and community-level excitement is essential to attract long-term sponsors, whose support could unlock opportunities for the next generation. A growing national framework At an institutional level, the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) says it is working to ensure that motorsport growth goes beyond isolated events. According to RAC president Christian Gakwaya, a new motorsport growth strategy set to begin implementation in January aims to build a complete ecosystem that nurtures participation, develops local expertise, and creates clear pathways for progression. “We strongly believe that champions are built, and Rwanda has immense talent,” Gakwaya said. “Our priority now is to create the exposure and opportunities necessary for that talent to shine.” He explained that the 2026 Motorsport Acceleration Plan focuses on a full development pathway—from school-level introduction to national championships and, eventually, international representation. This includes early exposure through karting and e-sports, as well as developing technical and human capacity by training officials, coaches, engineers, and technicians in partnership with institutions such as Rwanda Polytechnic. Competition, Gakwaya added, is equally vital. “Continuous racing experience, supported by mentorship and structured progression, is what transforms potential into performance.” He also highlighted Rwanda’s recent admission into the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), which allows the country to host international motorcycling events and integrate local riders into the global motorsport community. With strong government and private-sector collaboration, Gakwaya believes motorsport can become a driver of innovation, employment, and national development. “Our ambition is not just to send one driver to the top,” he said. “It is to build a generation capable of competing across all levels and to establish Rwanda as a recognised hub for motorsport excellence in Africa.” The driver’s pathway Rally driver Yoto Fabrice offers a more technical perspective on what it takes to produce elite drivers, especially for Formula racing and rally disciplines. According to Yoto, the journey must start early and follow a clearly defined progression. “We need to start with go-kart championships,” he said. “At 14 or 15, you move to higher-level karting. At 16, you start with simulators, then Formula 4, Formula 3, Formula 2, and eventually Formula 1.” For rally drivers, the pathway differs slightly, moving from karting to cross cars, simulators, and local rallies before advancing to higher continental and global levels. However, Yoto is clear that every step comes with significant costs. “This is a high-budget sport,” he noted. “The government can’t do everything. That’s why the private sector is very important, especially in setting up academies.” ALSO READ: Could Rwanda be Formula One’s next destination? Yoto emphasized that motorsport development goes beyond drivers alone. Engineers, tuners, strategists, and mechanics are just as critical. He revealed that plans are underway to establish an academy that will train drivers and technical professionals, with scouting systems to identify talent that can be promoted internationally. Tracking talent, he added, must begin as early as age seven, through collaboration between parents and schools. “You start with many kids, train them, organise small competitions, and gradually identify those with the potential to progress. It’s a long process that requires time, money, and professionalism.” While Africa has not seen a Formula One driver in decades, experts agree that Rwanda has many of the building blocks already in place, including simulators, go-karts, and cross cars. What remains critical is completing facilities, strengthening academies, and sustaining long-term investment.
