Lagos State is on the cusp of making history as it prepares to host the inaugural E1 Series electric powerboat racing championship on the African continent, scheduled for October 4 and 5, 2025, on the vibrant waters of Victoria Island Lagoon.
The groundbreaking event, confirmed by multiple sources including the official E1 Series website and announcements from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, positions the bustling Nigerian metropolis alongside global powerhouses like Monaco, Venice, Jeddah, and Miami as a premier destination for sustainable marine sports.
The E1 Series, the world’s first all-electric offshore powerboat racing league, features high-speed hydrofoil “RaceBird” boats powered by 200-hp electric motors capable of reaching 50 knots (about 93 km/h), emphasizing zero-emission technology and environmental regeneration.
Each team includes one male and one female pilot, promoting gender equality in motorsports, with nine teams competing, including celebrity-backed squads owned by figures like NFL legend Tom Brady, actor Will Smith, tennis star Rafael Nadal, and footballer Didier Drogba.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who secured the hosting rights following a competitive global bid and his attendance at the Monaco E1 event in July 2025, hailed the championship as a “major milestone” for Lagos and Africa.
“This is an opportunity to show the world what makes Lagos special—our culture, our energy, and our people,” he stated on his official X account, showing the city’s readiness to lead in clean energy and innovative marine transportation.
The governor also thanked the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for its pivotal support, including investments in Team Drogba, and highlighted synergies with the state’s €410 million Omi Eko project, which aims to deploy 72 electric ferries and solar-powered terminals by 2030 to revolutionize water transport and reduce road congestion.
Organizers, led by E1 Series CEO Rodi Basso, revealed during a September 2025 media parley in Lagos that the event will attract over 250 sports personalities, international media, and thousands of spectators, broadcast to more than 1 billion viewers worldwide through new partnerships.
Basso emphasized Lagos’ selection over other global cities due to its innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability: “E1 is not just about racing; it’s about transforming the future of water mobility. Our championship showcases how electric-powered boats can lead the way in sustainability and open new opportunities for cities like Lagos.”
The weekend will feature free practice and qualifying on October 3, followed by semi-finals and finals on October 4-5, with family-friendly zones, exclusive VIP lounges, and cultural showcases blending high-octane action with Nigerian heritage.
Sam Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, described the E1 Lagos GP as “proof of capacity” for the “City of Aquatic Splendour.”
“It signals economic opportunity, tourism growth, and global prestige, elevating Nigeria’s profile as a modern, progressive nation,” Egube said, urging local artisans, traders, fishermen, and hospitality businesses to capitalize on the influx of visitors.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, echoed this, noting the event’s potential to boost the economy through increased tourism and cultural exchange.
Transportation Commissioner Oluwseun Osiyemi added that it aligns with untapped potential in Lagos’ waterways, promoting electric alternatives to ease urban traffic.
The championship, sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), also includes the Blue Impact initiative, where teams compete for environmental accolades through conservation efforts, such as aquatic habitat restoration—particularly relevant for Lagos Lagoon, which has faced pollution challenges but is now embracing green innovations.
With preparations underway, including infrastructure enhancements and community engagement, the event is poised to leave a lasting legacy, fostering investments in sports, entertainment, and renewable marine tech while putting Lagos on the map as Africa’s innovation hub. As Basso put it, “Lagos is racing for the future, for Africa, for the world.”
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