In Rwanda, motorsport is gradually gaining attention among young people. However, for many, it remains a distant dream shaped by passion, high costs, and limited infrastructure. For Eric Tuyishime, the love for motorsport began at an early age. “I fell in love with the sport when I was 10,” he recalls. “We used to play racing games on the computer with my siblings, and at that time, motorsport felt very popular.” Despite his enthusiasm, Tuyishime has never had the opportunity to experience karting in real life. “I like karting, but here in Rwanda you can’t really practice. It’s expensive, and there’s a lack of infrastructure. You can’t even find proper motorsport facilities,” he explains. ALSO READ: Inaugural national motorcycle race due in Shyorongi Like many young Rwandans, he believes the sport does not receive enough attention. “In Rwanda, the focus is more on events like the Tour du Rwanda. If the federation could build dedicated motorsport facilities, it would be a good starting point,” he adds, pointing to cycling infrastructure in Bugesera as an example that could be replicated. A similar view is shared by Kevin Mugisha, who sees motorsport as both inaccessible and unfamiliar. “I’ve never tried motorsport because it’s not really popular here. I think only rally racing exists, and even that is not accessible for young people,” he says. For Mugisha, cost remains a major barrier. “Not many young people, whether in Nyamata or Musanze, can afford it. It feels like only those with money can get into motorsport. Even with sponsors, you have to already be very good to attract support,” he adds. Efforts to change perceptions However, stakeholders in the sector are working to change this narrative. At the Rwanda Automobile Club, officials insist that motorsport should not be reserved for the wealthy. Secretary General Ange François Cyatangabo acknowledges the concerns but highlights ongoing efforts to make the sport more inclusive. “Motorsport is accessible and affordable—that’s our mission,” he says. “We are working to break the idea that it’s only for rich people.” ALSO READ: How can Rwanda produce next gen of motorsport champs? Through partnerships, including one with Sonatubes, RAC plans to launch programmes aimed at introducing young people to motorcycling and motorsport, offering opportunities to learn, practice, and better understand the sport. Building a motorsport ecosystem Beyond federation efforts, private initiatives are also stepping in to shape the future of motorsport in Rwanda. Ifrah Arab, founder and executive director of Asili Motorsport Academy, is leading one of the most ambitious projects in the country. “We are building in Rwanda, but we are an African organisation. Our long-term vision is to develop Rwanda’s next Formula 1 driver,” she explains. Yet, significant challenges remain. “Motorsport is already expensive globally,” Ifrah notes. “But in Rwanda and across Africa, it becomes even more expensive because we lack systems and infrastructure.” Unlike football, which benefits from structured leagues at different levels, motorsport lacks a clear development pathway in many African countries. As a result, aspiring drivers often have to travel abroad to gain experience — an option that remains out of reach for most. One of the biggest gaps is the absence of a permanent karting track. “In most parts of the world, karting is the foundation of motorsport,” Ifrah says. “But in Rwanda, we don’t yet have a permanent karting system.” Although occasional events and temporary tracks exist, they are not enough to sustain consistent training or competition, limiting opportunities for young talent. To address this, her approach goes beyond developing drivers to building an entire ecosystem. “Motorsport is not just about drivers,” she explains. “It involves engineers, mechanics, strategists, and many other professionals.” Through educational programmes such as Discover Your Drive, the academy introduces students to karting by bringing the experience directly into schools—often their first real exposure to the sport. The organisation is also working to introduce STEM Racing, a global competition supported by the FIA and the Formula 1 ecosystem. The initiative allows students to design and build miniature Formula 1 cars while developing skills in engineering, design, and teamwork. “Africa has rarely been represented in this challenge,” Ifrah says. “We want Rwanda to be part of it.” Passion is there, structure must follow As interest in motorsport continues to grow among Rwanda’s youth, one message is clear: the passion is already there. What remains is building the structures, accessibility, and opportunities needed to turn that passion into reality.
