Lagos to Host Africa’s First E1 Championship Electric Powerboat Race in 2025

Posted : 20 July 2025

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially announced that Lagos will host the E1 Championship, the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series, on October 4th and 5th, 2025.

This historic milestone will make Lagos the first African city to host the groundbreaking marine motorsport event.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the announcement via his verified social media accounts after attending the weekend’s E1 Championship event in Monaco, describing the upcoming Lagos edition as a testament to “innovation, determination, and bold ideas.”

“I’m proud to share that Lagos will become the first African city to host the E1 Championship. It shows that Lagos is ready to be part of the global conversation on clean energy, sustainability, and new approaches to marine transportation,” the governor stated.

He emphasized that the event presents an opportunity to showcase Lagos’s vibrant culture, dynamic people, and increasing global relevance, especially in the realms of innovation and environmental leadership.

Sanwo-Olu also expressed appreciation to Afreximbank for their support in making the event possible. The bank is a key investor in Team Drogba, owned by Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba, and a major backer of the E1 Championship’s expansion into Africa.

“Their investment in Team Drogba and their commitment to this vision mean a great deal. We’re bringing a world-class sporting event to our shores, and I can’t wait for the world to see what we have to offer,” he added.

About the E1 Championship

The UIM E1 World Championship is the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series, launched in 2024 by Alejandro Agag—creator of Formula E and Extreme E—and former Formula 1 engineer Rodi Basso. The E1 Championship fuses high-speed marine racing with cutting-edge technology and a strong focus on environmental sustainability.

At the heart of the series is the RaceBird, an electric hydrofoil powerboat capable of speeds up to 93 km/h (50 knots). Each team races identical boats, ensuring that results are determined by driver skill, strategy, and teamwork.

The championship features a star-studded lineup of team owners, including:

Rafael Nadal (Spain)
Tom Brady (USA)
Virat Kohli (India)
Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire)
Sergio Pérez (Mexico)
Steve Aoki (USA)
Marc Anthony (Puerto Rico)

These global icons not only elevate the visibility of the sport but also represent a broad range of cities and cultures worldwide.

Racing for a Cleaner Future

The E1 Championship is more than just a racing event—it is a platform for ocean conservation and climate action. The series partners with governments, NGOs, and research institutions to raise awareness about marine pollution and support blue carbon initiatives like mangrove restoration and seaweed farming.

By spotlighting electric marine innovation, the championship aims to accelerate the transition to clean energy on waterways and promote sustainable practices in coastal communities.

As anticipation builds for the Lagos race in October 2025, the inclusion of an African city on the E1 calendar marks a defining moment in both the sport’s global expansion and Africa’s role in the future of sustainable development and elite sporting events.

Lagos to Host Africa’s First E1 Championship Electric Powerboat Race in 2025

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