Rutaremara says Rwanda’s F1 deal must deliver beyond the spectacle

To Tito Rutaremara, Formula 1 is about more than fast cars. He sees a chance to bring visitors, business and new skills to Rwanda, along with the global attention that comes with hosting the sport.

Rutaremara has spent decades in Rwanda’s political life. As a former secretary-general of the RPF, he helped organise its political cadres.

Today, he chairs the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum, which advises on national issues, including the economy, governance and social welfare. That background helps explain why he looks beyond the spectacle to what the country can gain.

In a wide-ranging interview with Taarifa Rwanda, he recalled watching F1 in Europe.

Some drivers, he said, are celebrities, sometimes bigger than footballers like Messi.

Their fans, sponsors and global television coverage could bring tourists who stay in Kigali, Bugesera and Musanze, support local businesses and return to explore Rwanda.

“It is a very good initiative that gives Rwanda a name, but it is not only about reputation. There are economic benefits through trade and other activities,” he said.

Rwanda has signed a 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix in the early 2030s. It will be the first Formula 1 race in Africa since 1993.

The planned FIA Grade 1 circuit, about 40 kilometres south of Kigali and beside the new international airport, will cover six kilometres, with 17 corners and 197 metres of elevation change per lap.

Formula 1 says Africa has more than 100 million fans of the sport.

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