RAC Secretary Chelsea Ntamvutsa, Secretary General Ange François Cyatangabo, President Christian Gakwaya Photo FIM.
Established in 1969, the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) has a long history of organising and developing automobile sport. Its admission to the FIM family, approved at the FIM General Assembly in Lausanne on 5 December 2025, has opened a new chapter: the systematic development of motorcycle sport in Rwanda.
The expansion forms part of RAC’s Road to 2029 strategy, which places talent development, education, safety, technical capacity and sustainable event delivery at the heart of the country’s motorsport growth. The long-term ambition is to create opportunities for a new generation of riders, build the skills needed to support the sport and, progressively, welcome major international motorcycle events to Rwanda.
RAC has already taken its first competitive steps. In 2026, the federation organised three inaugural Cross Country competitions, attracting a total of 20 participants, including two women riders. Beyond the competition itself, the events have given riders and organisers valuable practical experience as the new sporting structure takes shape.
The RAC General Assembly has also approved a change to the federation’s name so that it reflects its responsibility for both automobile and motorcycle sport. The change is expected to become official in 2027, following completion of the necessary administrative procedures.
Building from the grassroots
Training is central to the federation’s approach. RAC intends to develop not only riders, but also the officials, coaches, technicians and event personnel needed for a safe and sustainable national programme. To support the introduction of young people to motorcycle sport and the identification of future talent, the federation has ordered 15 Trial motorcycles for delivery to Rwanda.
While Trial is not yet RAC’s principal discipline, it is viewed as an important part of the grassroots pathway and a practical platform for developing balance, control and core riding skills.
“Our current priorities are Cross Country and Enduro, with Trial as the next step. We want to build strong foundations from the outset and develop motorcycle sport in Rwanda in a structured and sustainable way,” says RAC President Christian Gakwaya.
Rwanda does not yet have a dedicated motocross circuit, but the country is already considering the infrastructure and organisational capacity required to expand into additional disciplines. The federation’s approach is deliberately progressive, with each step intended to strengthen the base for the next.
“We are moving one step at a time. In the years ahead, we hope Rwanda can develop the capacity to host the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations,” Gakwaya adds.
Rwanda motocycle tour !
Part of a wider national ambition
The development of motorcycle sport is taking place within Rwanda’s wider ambition to strengthen motorsport as a platform for skills, jobs, tourism and international visibility. RAC’s cooperation with the Government of Rwanda and the Ministry of Sports is an important part of that journey.
Plans are advancing for a new circuit-racing facility capable of supporting major international events. The proposed venue is intended to accommodate both FIA- and FIM-sanctioned competition, subject to the required technical approvals and homologation processes.
“We are fortunate to have a close and constructive relationship with the Government of Rwanda and the Ministry of Sports. We share the ambition of developing motorsport sustainably and, over time, welcoming major international events to the country,” says Gakwaya.
RAC also sees strong potential in motorcycle touring. Rwanda’s geography, varied landscapes and connections with neighbouring countries provide a natural setting for responsible touring initiatives that can complement the federation’s sporting programme and contribute to regional tourism.
With its first Cross Country events completed, Enduro and Trial identified as development priorities, and longer-term infrastructure plans taking shape, Rwanda is building its motorcycle-sport ecosystem from the ground up—carefully, progressively and with a clear view of the future.
By MANZI
