Lagos is set to become the first African city to host the E1 Championship, the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series, on October 4th and 5th, 2025.
The announcement was made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday via his official X account, following his visit to Monaco where he witnessed the event firsthand.
Describing the race as a “major milestone” for Lagos, the governor said the event marks the city’s growing role in global discussions around clean energy, sustainability, and innovative marine transportation.
The E1 Championship is designed to promote zero-emission mobility on waterways through world-class racing and environmental innovation.
“This weekend, we were in Monaco experiencing the E1 Racing Championship. It was a good reminder of how innovation, determination, and bold ideas can come together to create something truly groundbreaking. I’m proud to share that Lagos will become the first African city to host the E1 Championship on October 4th and 5th, 2025. That’s a major milestone for the sport and for what it says about our city. It shows that Lagos is ready to be part of the global conversation on clean energy, sustainability, and new approaches to marine transportation,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He added that the event offers Lagos a global platform to showcase its culture, energy, and potential.
It also strengthens the city’s identity as a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious hub.
The governor expressed appreciation to the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for its support, especially for backing Team Drogba, one of the participating teams, and for its wider investment in Lagos’ clean-energy ambitions.
The E1 Championship blends high-level sporting entertainment with a mission to promote sustainable water transport across urban coastlines.
With Lagos now added to the race calendar, it joins a small group of international cities leading the push for electric marine sports.
While preparations are underway for the race, Lagos has already taken significant steps toward transforming its waterways with one of the most ambitious electric-powered water transport projects on the continent.
In June 2025, the state began implementing the €410 million Omi Eko project, which aims to integrate inland waterways into the city’s overall mobility system by 2030.
The project is supported by €360 million in funding from international partners including the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Lagos State is contributing €40 million, with another €10 million expected from the private sector.
Now in its rollout phase, the Omi Eko project will create 15 ferry routes, upgrade or build 25 terminals, and deploy more than 78 electric ferries.
These ferries will operate with solar-powered charging stations.
The terminals will feature smart ticketing systems with Cowry Card integration, parking facilities, modern waiting areas, and improved safety infrastructure.
The initiative is designed to reduce emissions, ease road traffic congestion, and stimulate economic growth in waterfront communities.
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Image Credit: Nairametrics
