The F1 race in Rwanda is already being used to promote the country's Visit Rwanda tourist brand

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Formula 1 will return to Africa for the first time in a generation after Rwanda agreed a 10-year contract to stage a race, with the sport's governing body (FIA) keen to create a "lasting legacy".

The event - to be called the African Grand Prix - will be held on a new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, 25 miles south of the capital Kigali, with the first edition in the "early 2030s".

For Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the ambition is to "pave the way" for other F1 races on the continent.

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However, the announcement has drawn criticism from some quarters amid allegations of sportswashing and questions around the East African country's human rights record.

Africa has not hosted an F1 race since 1993, and the clamour to return to the continent has been growing in recent years - with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton among those leading the calls.

Morocco was the first African nation to host a Grand Prix in 1958 and 23 races were then held in South Africa between 1962 and 1993.

President Kagame said it was "an honour and privilege" for Rwanda to be chosen for its return.

"This partnership is long overdue but it is a success and a milestone for the entire continent - especially for African fans," he added.

South Africa had been keen to secure its own F1 race, and sports minister Gayton McKenzie remains bullish about his country's hopes of emulating Rwanda.

📰 Source: BBC Africa