Lagos has officially become the first African city to host the E1 Electric Powerboat Championship, with the Victoria Island Lagoon serving as the venue for the inaugural E1 Lagos Grand Prix (GP).
The event marks a major milestone for motorsport on the continent, underscoring Africa’s growing ability to host world-class competitions while promoting sustainability and technological innovation.
As one of Africa’s largest economic centers, Lagos, home to leading fintech companies and a dynamic young population, proved to be the perfect setting for an international sporting event of this scale.
With this achievement, the city joins other prestigious global stops on the E1 calendar, including Monaco, London, Venice, Jeddah, Doha, and Miami, according to Business Insider Africa.
Lagos becomes first African host of E1 electric powerboat championship | Business Insider Africa.
The Lagos GP featured some of the world’s top Formula 2 pilots and nine celebrity-backed teams, bringing an extraordinary mix of talent and star power to African waters.
Among the teams were Team Rafa (Rafael Nadal), Team Brady (Tom Brady), Team AlUla (LeBron James), Team Blue Rising (Virat Kohli), Team Westbrook Racing (Will Smith), Team Brazil (Claure Group), Team Drogba Global Africa (Didier Drogba Foundation), Team Miami, and The Steve Aoki Racing Team (Dani Clos and Mashael Alobaidan).
According to Rodi Basso, founder and CEO of E1, Lagos was selected strategically for its unique spirit and potential.
“Lagos brings incredible energy, creativity, and ambition that matches E1’s DNA perfectly. We’re honoured to work with local partners to create a sporting spectacle that helps drive clean innovation while elevating Lagos’ profile as a global hub for sport and sustainable development,” he said.
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The Lagos GP followed previous races in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Doha (Qatar), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Lago Maggiore (Italy), and Monaco (France), marking a pivotal moment in the E1 Series’ inaugural season.
Upcoming events are scheduled to take place in Monaco, Miami, Jeddah, and Doha.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu hailed the championship as “a statement of intent,” emphasizing that it reflects Africa’s readiness to lead in the global transition to clean energy and sustainable prosperity.
“This championship is not merely a thrilling spectacle on water but a statement of intent,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also praised the success and impact of the E1 Lagos GP, pledging the state’s commitment to making the event a recurring highlight on the international E1 calendar.
Launched in 2024 and sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the E1 Series is the world’s first all-electric powerboat championship.
It features advanced hydrofoil-equipped RaceBirds capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 knots, merging high-speed excitement with environmental responsibility through innovative marine technology.
The E1 Lagos GP showcased Africa’s capability to host international sporting spectacles that blend competition with clean innovation.
It also highlighted opportunities for growth in tourism, maritime technology, and sustainability across the continent.
African football legend Didier Drogba and his partner Gabrielle Lemaire, both instrumental in bringing the E1 Series to Africa, attended the event in support of Team Drogba Global Africa.
The success of the Lagos GP reaffirmed that Africa can host world-class events that inspire the next generation, promote green technology, and utilize the continent’s natural waterways for sport, innovation, and entertainment.
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Image Credit: Punch Newspapers
