Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu confirmed Lagos will host Africa’s first-ever E1 World Championship on October 4–5, 2025. This marks a historic first for the continent. E1 is the world’s first all‑electric powerboat racing series.
- Lagos becomes Africa’s first host for E1 Racing.
- Event dates: October 4–5, 2025.
- Governor Sanwo‑Olu attended the Monaco race to confirm.
What Is the E1 Championship?
The UIM E1 World Championship features electric-powered raceboats called RaceBirds. These electric hydrofoil boats reach speeds up to 50 knots (~93 km/h) near shorelines to ensure good visibility and fun viewing.
Teams switch between male and female pilots, and they all use identical boats so skill and strategy decide the results.
Focus on Clean Energy and Marine Sustainability
E1 merges high-speed sport with environmental care. Boats use renewable energy, creating zero emissions. This helps protect marine life and reduces fossil fuel dependence.
The series supports ocean conservation, including efforts in mangrove restoration and seaweed farming.
Lagos Joins a Global List
Lagos joins Monaco, Jeddah, Venice, Rotterdam, and others as an E1 host city. Lagos stands as the first African city in this prestigious group.
Hosting puts Lagos on the global stage for innovative marine events and highlights its emerging sustainable urban development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Vision
Governor Sanwo‑Olu described E1’s visit to Lagos as a way to highlight the city’s culture, energy, and innovation mindset.
He emphasized Lagos is ready for clean energy, renewable transport, and global innovation in marine mobility.
Afreximbank and Team Drogba
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) supports the Lagos race and invested in Team Drogba, led by Ivorian football star Didier Drogba.
This partnership reflects confidence in Lagos’s green vision and growing global influence.
Benefits for Lagos
Hosting the E1 Championship brings many advantages:
- Tourism boost and global media exposure.
- Local jobs and marine technology awareness.
- An economy lift through visitor spending.
Global E1 Race Calendar 2025
- Monaco – July 19, 2025
- Lagos – October 4–5, 2025
- Miami – November 8, 2025
Lagos is Race 6 in the 2025 circuit and race action starts October 4 with qualifying and finals on October 5.
Who Created E1 Series?
The series was founded by Alejandro Agag, creator of Formula E and Extreme E, and Rodi Basso, former F1 executive.
They partnered with UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique), the global marine racing body, making E1 the only electric powerboat world championship.
About the RaceBird Boat
- Electric hydrofoil design lifts the boat out of water at 17 knots.
- Can hit 50 knots (93 km/h) thanks to a 150 kW motor and 35 kWh batteries.
- Made by Victory Marine, with powertrain by Mercury Racing, and batteries by Kreisel Electric.
What to Expect in Lagos
Organizers will prepare the shores for:
- Spectator-friendly viewing zones
- Safety planning and security measures
- Community programs and green messaging
The global broadcast will bring Lagos unprecedented sports media coverage.
Why It Matters
- Marks Africa’s arrival in high-tech marine sports.
- Supports Lagos’s reputation for sustainable urban innovation.
- Encourages use of electric marine transport in cities.
- Inspires students in fields like clean energy, engineering, and sports.
Lagos hosting the E1 World Championship is a major step forward for Africa. It blends sport, technology, ecology, and global culture. This event will change how people see Lagos and its bright future in green innovation.
