10,000 Local Jobs Created as Circuit Construction Enters Full Swing

The Kigali Grand Prix project has surpassed a significant milestone, with the total number of direct and indirect jobs created for Rwandan citizens now exceeding 10,000. The figure, confirmed by the Rwanda Development Board in its latest quarterly economic impact report, represents a 40% increase on the projections made when the project was first announced in 2027.

Of the 4,200 workers directly employed on the circuit construction, 78% are Rwandan nationals — a proportion that project director Jean-Pierre Habimana describes as "a source of enormous pride". The remaining 22% are specialist international contractors in areas such as circuit surface engineering, safety barrier installation, and electrical systems, where specific expertise was required.

The indirect employment figure of approximately 6,000 jobs encompasses a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, transport, catering, security, and event management. Many of these roles are being filled by workers who have completed training programmes specifically designed for the Grand Prix, including a 12-week circuit operations course developed in partnership with the University of Rwanda.

"This project was always about more than a race," said Minister of Infrastructure Ernest Nsabimana. "It is about building skills, creating opportunities, and demonstrating to the world what Rwandan workers can achieve. The 10,000 jobs figure is a milestone, but it is only the beginning. The legacy of this project will be felt for decades."

Community liaison teams have been working with residents in the neighbourhoods closest to the circuit route since construction began, addressing concerns about noise, dust, and traffic disruption. A community benefit fund, funded by a levy on Grand Prix ticket sales, has already distributed 2.3 billion Rwandan francs to local projects, including school renovations, road improvements, and a new community health centre in Kimihurura.