The move positions Rwanda as an emerging motorsport hub on the continent, strengthening its capacity to develop new riding disciplines, nurture local talent, and ultimately host international motorcycling events.
During the Assembly, FIM President Jorge Viegas welcomed Rwanda into the global motorcycling community, describing the nation's admission as an important addition to the federation's expanding membership.
Christian Gakwanya, President of the Rwanda Motorsport Federation, represented the country at the Assembly and hailed the milestone as a transformative moment for the sector.
'We are extremely happy for this achievement. Motorcycling has been part of our motorsport activities for years, and with the support and guidance of our government through the Ministry of Sports, we have developed a new roadmap focused on diversification, capacity building, and the ambition to host international events, including major motorcycling competitions,' he said.
Gakwanya extended gratitude to member federations for their support, adding that Rwanda looks forward to active collaboration within the FIM community.
The achievement builds on Rwanda's rising global profile in motorsport, coming just one year after the country successfully hosted the FIA General Assembly and Awards in Kigali, a historic event that reinforced international confidence in Rwanda's organisational capacity and commitment to motorsport development.
Following the admission, beginning January 2026, Rwanda's national motorsport calendar will expand to include new disciplines such as motocross, enduro, and trials, opening pathways for new riders and elevating local competition standards.
Rwanda's push for Formula 1
Rwanda's motorsport ambitions extend beyond motorcycling. On December 13, 2024, President Paul Kagame announced that the country is formally bidding to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, a move that would bring the world's most prestigious racing series back to Africa for the first time since 1993.
The initiative follows months of discussions between Rwandan officials and Formula 1 leadership, including CEO Stefano Domenicali, with the nation positioning itself as a strong candidate to revive Africa's presence on the F1 calendar.
'I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is beginning to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix,' President Kagame said during the FIA General Assembly in Kigali. 'We are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves. Together, we will build something we can all be proud of.'
The bid aligns with Rwanda's broader strategy to attract major global sporting events and strengthen its reputation as a dynamic, forward-looking sporting destination.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
