L-R; Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, Didier Drogba, Chelsea football legend, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General UN tourism.
Lagos is making history. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed that the city will host the E1 Electric Powerboat Championship on October 4–5, 2025, making it the first African city ever to host this all-electric marine motorsport event.
The Lagos State Governor announced the news via his official X account after attending the E1 race in Monaco. He described the event as a win for Lagos in innovation, sustainability, and global relevance. In his words, it’s a moment to “show the world what makes Lagos special — our culture, our energy, and our people”
What Is the E1 Championship?
The E1 Championship is the world’s first fully electric powerboat racing series, launched in 2024 by the same team behind Formula E and Extreme E. It features sleek hydrofoil boats, known as RaceBirds, that can reach speeds up to 50 knots (around 93 km/h). Races take place on urban waterways, combining adrenaline-pumping action with zero emissions
Each race event draws major names from sport and entertainment, including teams backed by Rafael Nadal, Tom Brady, Virat Kohli, Didier Drogba, Sergio Pérez, Steve Aoki, and Marc Anthony. The inclusion of these global icons emphasises E1’s growing appeal on the world stage.
The race is being brought to life in partnership with Afreximbank, which already sponsors Didier Drogba’s entry in the E1 series. That partnership highlights the link between sport, finance, and green technology, positioning Lagos at the forefront of Africa’s sustainable development.
E1 isn’t just about racing; it’s about creating a global platform for clean energy and marine conservation. Each event supports environmental causes like mangrove restoration and highlights eco-friendly technology. For Lagos, it’s a chance to showcase its waters and its commitment to innovation.
A Historic Milestone for Lagos, and Africa
With the championship now scheduled for October 2025, Lagos has secured its place in global sporting history. It’s a bold, forward-looking move for the city and the continent. When these electric powerboats hit the water, they won’t just be racing—they’ll be broadcasting a new narrative about Africa’s capacity for innovation and sustainability.
