KIGALI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday formally announced Rwanda's bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix, marking a historic moment for African motorsport.
Kagame made the announcement during the General Assembly of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the non-profit governing body for world motorsport and the federation of the world's leading mobility organizations.
The event, held in Kigali, marked the first time the prestigious assembly was hosted on the African continent.
"I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix. A big thank you to the entire FIA team for the good progress in our discussions so far," Kagame said.
He added, "We are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves. Together, we will build something we can all be proud of."
Kagame highlighted the transformative potential of motorsport in Africa, emphasizing its elite performance standards, focus on safety, and use of cutting-edge technology.
"For the very first time, the FIA General Assembly is being held in Africa. This is a significant milestone, signaling the motorsport industry's goal to connect directly with fans and aspiring drivers across the continent," he said.
The President also pointed out a notable achievement: students from Rwanda's Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC) produced a low-cost prototype vehicle using FIA's blueprint-the first of its kind in the region. This innovation underscores the importance of a skilled workforce in unlocking career pathways in engineering and design for motorsport in Africa.
"In a world where various forces are pulling us apart, the values of sportsmanship should bring us closer together. It all comes down to respect and giving everyone the chance to contribute where they can. That is why it is so important for countries in every region and income level to have a fair shot at hosting international sporting events," Kagame explained.
He added, "Sometimes, when a non-traditional country is announced as a host, it is perceived as if something went wrong-especially if you judge by the media reaction. These attitudes must be left in the past, and the role of sports governing bodies is absolutely central in ensuring fairness."
Kagame also commended the FIA's commitment to sustainability, particularly its role in driving innovations in electric vehicle technology. He noted Rwanda's partnership with the FIA to establish a cross-car manufacturing facility as a step toward advancing the country's motorsport ambitions.
At the event, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the need to actively seek out new driving talent worldwide.
"We have to actively search for talent. Drivers exist, but many haven't had the opportunity to showcase their skills," Sulayem said. He acknowledged that not every aspiring driver would reach the pinnacle of the sport but stressed the importance of identifying and nurturing exceptional talent.
Christian Gakwaya, President of the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC), also spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving success. "Today marks the first of many milestones to come. It proves that through partnership, we can achieve what many once thought impossible," Gakwaya said.
Rwanda is hosting the FIA General Assembly from December 10-13, 2024, in Kigali. Attended by all FIA Member Clubs, the annual assembly serves as the FIA's supreme decision-making body, setting the federation's future direction. ■