Lagos to Host Africa’s Maiden E1 Electric Powerboat Race in October 2025
In a historic development for African motorsport and sustainability, Lagos has been officially announced as the first African city to host the UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s premier all-electric powerboat racing series.
The event is scheduled to take place on October 4 and 5, 2025, along the iconic Lagos Lagoon, positioning the city alongside other global destinations like Monaco, Miami, and Venice in hosting this innovative marine sporting event.
The announcement was made after a high-level delegation from Lagos attended the recent E1 Championship race in Monaco. The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was part of the delegation, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event, describing it as a significant milestone for the city’s commitment to clean energy, technological innovation, and international engagement.
“This is an opportunity to show the world what makes Lagos special—our culture, our energy, and our people,” he said, highlighting the race as a chance to spotlight the city’s growing influence in global sustainability and sports.
The E1 Championship, often referred to as the “Formula 1 of the seas,” features electric-powered RaceBird boats that glide at high speeds across urban waterways, drawing attention to clean marine technology.
The championship aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions in coastal and inland water transport.
Lagos’ selection as a host city is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Lagos State Government and key stakeholders including the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), whose investment arm—FEDA—has backed Team Drogba, one of the racing teams.
Football legend Didier Drogba, who co-owns the team, has championed the event’s expansion into Africa and praised Lagos as a forward-thinking city capable of setting new standards in innovation and sustainability.
E1’s CEO, Rodi Basso, noted that Lagos exemplifies the type of city the championship is eager to work with: fast-growing, culturally rich, and embracing of clean energy solutions. He described Lagos as “a dynamic and enterprising city brimming with new ideas,” and expressed confidence that the race will not only be a sporting spectacle but also a catalyst for deeper conversations around clean maritime mobility in Africa.
The event is expected to attract thousands of spectators, create local employment opportunities, and generate international media coverage, thereby boosting Lagos’ tourism and creative economy sectors. Governor Sanwo-Olu also emphasized the broader vision behind hosting the E1 race, stating that it aligns with Lagos’ long-term plans to modernize marine transport and explore sustainable energy alternatives.
With just a few months to go, preparations are already underway to ensure that Lagos delivers a world-class experience. Infrastructure enhancements, safety protocols, and community outreach initiatives are being coordinated to ensure that both residents and visitors enjoy a safe, memorable, and impactful race weekend.
As Lagos joins the ranks of global cities driving the future of electric marine sports, the October 2025 E1 Championship promises to be more than just a race—it will be a powerful symbol of innovation, resilience, and African excellence on the world stage.
