Lagos will make history as the first African city to host the E1 World Championship, the world’s first-ever all-electric powerboat racing series. Set against the shimmering backdrop of the Lagos Lagoon, the global showpiece is scheduled for October 4 and 5 this year. The event is more than just a sporting spectacle; it’s a bold fusion of innovation, clean energy, and global attention, positioning Lagos as a rising force in sustainable technology and entertainment.
The news was revealed following the Governor’s recent trip to Monaco, where he attended the ongoing E1 Championship races.
“This weekend, we were in Monaco experiencing the E1 Racing Championship,” the governor, Sanwo-Olu said via a Facebook post on Sunday.
“It was a good reminder of how innovation, determination, and bold ideas can come together to create something truly groundbreaking,” he added.
The E1 World Championship, often described as the Formula 1 of the seas, is a thrilling marine motorsport featuring electric RaceBird powerboats that glide above the water at high speeds using cutting-edge hydrofoil technology. Launched in partnership with sustainability advocates like Alejandro Agag (also co-founder of Formula E) and Rodi Basso, a former F1 and NASA engineer, the championship aims to spotlight clean water mobility and tackle pollution in coastal cities, all while delivering jaw-dropping action.
With races already held in global destinations like Jeddah, Venice, and Rotterdam, the series has quickly gained recognition for combining environmental awareness with adrenaline-pumping excitement. The Lagos event promises a unique African flavor, blending innovation with vibrant local culture.
So, how did Lagos manage to clinch this prestigious event? While many will call it luck, others will also disagree, but it was all vision and strategy.
Under the leadership of the Lagos State Government, particularly Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos has actively positioned itself as a forward-thinking city open to sustainable innovation and international partnerships. The government’s investments in infrastructure, blue economy development, and climate action played a key role.
Working through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and supported by the Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, Lagos submitted a compelling bid that aligned with the E1 Championship’s mission, which is to revive marine ecosystems while electrifying the world of water sports.
The Lagos Lagoon’s unique topography, historical significance, and bustling waterfront make it an ideal location.
Reports say the city’s commitment to environmental restoration, its ambitious green agenda, and its plans to boost marine tourism helped seal the deal. Behind the scenes, local officials engaged with E1 organizers for over a year, pitching Lagos as not just a race venue but a gateway to African innovation and climate solutions.
The Lagos race will be a high-energy weekend featuring teams backed by global icons, including football star Didier Drogba, tennis legend Rafael Nadal, and F1 driver Sergio Pérez, who all co-own competing teams.
Fans can expect silent but fast powerboats, thrilling competition on water, and eco-themed exhibitions that spotlight Nigeria’s marine life and sustainability efforts.
Beyond the race, the event is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and shine a global spotlight on Lagos as a city on the rise.
