Circuit to the Continent.
Welcome to a quick guide to understanding Africa’s growing motorsports fandom.
A matter of time…
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PAST.
From the start, Motorsports has had loyal fans across Africa. Generations have passed down their passion, with grandparents teaching parents, and parents teaching their children about motorsports. Our love for motorsports runs deep, inspired by legends like Senna, Prost, Schumacher, and Hamilton.
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PRESENT.
Across Africa and the diaspora, F1 fan communities are growing fast. These groups have built their own culture, hosting watch parties, going to races, creating content, and sharing knowledge. They are the ones keeping motorsport alive, teaching a new generation to see motorsports through an African lens.
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FUTURE.
The rise of African motorsports fandom can no longer be overlooked. It signals a new era for motorsport, powered by Africa’s energy, creativity, and youth. This movement will shape the future of sports and open new opportunities for brands, partners, and fans across the world.
- INSIGHTS ON AFRICA
- INSIGHTS ON AFRICA
Africa’s cities are rapidly transforming into powerful cultural and economic engines. Urban centres like Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Accra, and Addis Ababa are driving this change, with over 40% of the continent’s population now living in cities, and that number continues to rise. This shift is fuelled by a young, dynamic population (over 60% being under 25), growing digital access, and expanding creative industries that are reshaping how Africa connects with the world.
Alongside this urban growth comes one of the world’s most passionate sports audiences. Football has long been the heartbeat of African fandom, but interests are widening fast. Basketball, Formula 1, tennis, and even American football are drawing millions of new followers thanks to global media reach, African athletes abroad, and stronger digital communities at home. These fans are highly engaged, informed, and ready to connect with global sports in their own authentic way.
Culturally and commercially, Africa’s influence now extends well beyond its borders. The diaspora, from London to New York and Paris to Toronto, continues to amplify African creativity through music, fashion, and film. The global rise of Afrobeats, for example, shows how African expression can reshape entire industries. For brands, this moment signals huge opportunity, but success depends on real understanding, cultural fluency, and collaboration with people who live and breathe Africa’s story.
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SOUTH AFRICA
Capital: Pretoria (executive)
Total Population: ~63.0–64.7 million (2024–2025 est.)
Estimated % below 35 years: ~60–65%
Details to note: Surging F1 viewership on SuperSport (Nielsen SA data), plus active push for an F1 return with Kyalami upgrades. -
NIGERIA
Capital: Abuja
Total Population: ~237.5–238.8 million (2025 est.)
Estimated % below 35 years: ~70–80%
Details to note: Frequent, well-attended F1 watch parties in Lagos and wider motorsport buzz (E1 Lagos debut, BMW Club etc). -
KENYA
Capital: Nairobi
Total Population: ~56.2–56.4 million (2024–2025 est.)
Estimated % below 35 years: ~75–80%
Details to note: Vibrant fan communities and regular Nairobi watch parties; venues and promoters are running recurring F1 event series. -
MOROCCO
Capital: Rabat
Total Population: ~38.4–38.6 million (2025 est.)
Estimated % below 35: ~55–60%
Details to note: Interest anchored by Marrakech’s Formula E rounds at Circuit Moulay El Hassan, feeding broader single-seater fandom. -
EGYPT
Capital: Cairo
Total Population: ~116–118.6 million (2024–2025 est.)
Estimated % below 35 years: ~60–65%
Details to note: Big audiences for drift and grassroots events, notably Red Bull Car Park Drift Egypt. -
SENEGAL
Capital: Dakar
Total Population: ~18–18.5 million (2025 est.)
Estimated % below 35 years: ~65–70%
Details to note: Rich motorsport heritage from the Dakar Rally and a growing new generation of F1 fans.
