The organisers of the ‘E1 Series’ and the Lagos State Government have expressed their readiness to hold a world-class E1 Electric Powerboat Championship.
The event will bring over 250 sports personalities together next month in the nation’s economic capital, Lagos.
The landmark event is taking place in Africa for the first time, between October 3 and 5 in Victoria Island, symbolises Lagos’ commitment to clean energy and climate action, promotion of innovation, tourism, cultural exchange, commerce, sustainability, water transportation and sports potential.
The E1 Lagos GP is more than a sporting event. It is history in motion. For the first time, the world’s only all-electric powerboat championship comes to African waters, placing Lagos alongside Monaco, Venice, and Jeddah as a global host city.
The event is a major milestone for the sport and for Lagos’ role in global sustainability conversations.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of E1 Series, Mr. Rodi Basso, said Lagos competed with other global cities to secure the hosting rights, which would open the state for more investment opportunities in global sport and entertainment.
Hinting that nine teams, including Didier Drogba and Will Smith, will be in Lagos for the electric boat racing, Basso said that the technology-driven sport would be sustained in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
He said: “While the ocean is known as one of the most challenging environments of nature, the boating industry is making some significant changes to how they operate their watercraft. However, there are still challenges that remain, and, to overcome these challenges, organisations must redesign and innovate in ways unseen in the industry.
Basso added: “The E1 Series showcases the technical prowess behind such important developments in the marine industry, but also how boats can become more sustainable by leveraging alternative power and unique architecture to minimise their impact in the most challenging scenarios.”
Also, Mr Sam Egube, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the landmark event will serve as a global showcase for Lagos’ culture, energy, and economic potential.
Egube noted that beyond sporting significance, the E1 championship would showcase Lagos on the global map in line with Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s commitment to joining international conversations on sustainable energy and innovation in marine transport.
He said: “For Lagos, the City of Aquatic Splendour, this is proof of capacity; a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and creativity hosting an event that merges speed, sustainability, and innovation. It signals economic opportunity, tourism growth, and global prestige. E1 Lagos GP elevates Nigeria’s profile as a modern, progressive, and forward-thinking nation.
“This is an opportunity to show the world what makes Lagos special: the cultural heritage and energy of Lagos people. It is also an opportunity to welcome tourists and investors and share Lagos success stories to bring in more investment and highlight the potential of the city of aquatic splendour. History is happening here. Lagos is racing for the future, for Africa, for the world.”
He also said that the Omi Eko project, which will unveil 72 electric boats on Lagos waterways, will boost water transportation and reduce congestion on the road.
It would be recalled that in February, Sanwo-Olu met with Didier Drogba, and representatives of the E1 Racing Team.
