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 development will make Lagos the first African city to host the groundbreaking marine motorsport event.
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Governor Sanwo-Olu made the announcement via his verified social media accounts after attending the weekend’s E1 Championship event in Monaco, calling it 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 added that the event represents an opportunity to showcase Lagos’s vibrant culture, dynamic people, and global relevance, especially in the areas 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 the team owned by Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba and a significant backer of the 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 said.
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 blends cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
At the center of the series is the RaceBird, an electric hydrofoil powerboat capable of reaching speeds of up to 93 km/h (50 knots). Each team races with identical boats, ensuring that competition is driven purely by 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 celebrity owners bring international attention to the sport while representing various cities and regions across the globe.
Racing for a Cleaner Future
More than just a race, the E1 Championship is a platform for ocean conservation and climate action. The series partners with governments, NGOs, and research institutions to raise awareness on marine pollution and support blue carbon initiatives like mangrove restoration and seaweed farming.
By showcasing electric marine technology, the E1 Championship aims to accelerate the transition to clean energy on waterways and inspire sustainable innovation in coastal communities.
As anticipation builds for the Lagos race in October 2025, the inclusion of an African city on the E1 map marks a pivotal moment in the continent’s involvement in global sustainability initiatives and elite sporting events.
