Three sites are being considered for a proposed $15 million (approx. Rwf 22 billion) motorsport academy and racing facility in Kigali as the project goes through government feasibility assessments and approval processes.
Weekend Sport has learnt that the proposed development by UnityVibe Ltd, a motorsport activation and academy company, is being considered for Gahanga, Rebero Culture Village and Kinyinya.
The Gahanga option involves about 10 hectares of land owned by the Ministry of Sports. Rebero Culture Village, a 30-hectare entertainment and arts complex in Kicukiro District, and Kinyinya are also being assessed as potential locations.
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However, no final decision has been made on the location, with the Ministry of Sports currently conducting feasibility assessments of the proposed sites.
The investment model is also yet to be determined, with discussions ongoing on whether the project will be developed through a public-private partnership with the Government or as a fully private investment.
Officials from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) said the project must first go through the required public-interest and investment approval processes before implementation can begin.
The process includes assessing and securing suitable land, determining the appropriate investment and exploitation arrangement, negotiating with the City of Kigali and taking the proposal through the relevant government approval structures.
Another key consideration will be the investor’s financial commitment, including the required deposit to demonstrate that the investor is committed to and capable of taking the project forward.
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According to UnityVibe Motorsport Team Principal Fabrice Yoto, the project is expected to bring together motorsport, driver training, entertainment and automotive services under one roof.
The proposed facility would feature a go-kart track, autocross and drifting track, sim-racing and e-sports centre, professional motorsport academy and high-performance tuning garage.
The facility is expected to occupy between 10 and 15 hectares and would also include classrooms, garages and dedicated spaces for professional driver training.
Yoto said the academy is intended to build a wider motorsport ecosystem rather than simply provide a venue for racing.
"We want to create an environment where young Rwandans can develop their talent while also creating opportunities in engineering, mechanics and motorsport management,” he said.
Once the necessary approvals are secured and construction begins, UnityVibe estimates that the development could be completed in about 10 months. The company expects works to begin before the end of 2026.
Developing the next generation
The proposed facility would also serve as a talent-development centre, aimed at identifying young drivers and progressively preparing them for higher levels of competition.
Yoto said aspiring drivers would start with karting before progressing to disciplines such as drifting, rallying and circuit racing.
"We want to detect young talent early and provide them with professional training that can eventually prepare them for national, regional and international competition,” he said.
The academy would also create opportunities for professionals working behind the scenes.
Its training programmes would cater for mechanics, engineers, technicians and motorsport managers, while the proposed tuning garage would provide a platform for vehicle-performance development and technical skills.
UnityVibe also plans to offer driving-school courses, rally services and sim-racing training.
The company’s broader ambition is to position Rwanda as a regional motorsport destination by combining competition, education and entertainment.
The facility would be designed to host professional competitions, corporate events, product launches, driver-training programmes and e-sports tournaments, while also providing a family-friendly recreational environment.
UnityVibe points to its participation in the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya, where its Rwanda Rally Team secured a third-place finish in the ARC2 category, as part of its growing motorsport activities in the region.
The proposed academy would provide those activities with a permanent base for training, competition and talent development in Rwanda.