Over 250 sports personalities from across the world will gather in Lagos for Africa’s maiden E1 Electric Powerboat Championship, billed for October 3 and 5, 2025, the organisers have said.
According to them, the E1 series, organised in conjunction with the Lagos State Government, is a world-class E1 Electric Powerboat Championship that will bring sports personalities together in Nigeria’s commercial and economic capital.
Holding in Victoria Island, the event symbolises Lagos’ commitment to clean energy and climate action, promotion of innovation, tourism, cultural exchange, commerce, sustainability, water transportation and sports potential.
Hosting the world’s only all-electric powerboat championship places Lagos alongside Monaco, Venice, and Jeddah as a global host city, they said, adding that the event is a major milestone for the sport and for Lagos’ role in global sustainability conversations.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of E1 Series, Mr. Rodi Basso, 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 teams, will be in Lagos for the electric boat racing, Basso assured 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 in 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 those challenges, organisations must redesign and innovate in ways unseen in the industry.
“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 speaking at the unveiling of the race, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Sam Egube, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff to Lagos State 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 Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s commitment to joining international conversations on sustainable energy and innovation in marine transport.
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 said.
Lagos State’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who is also a member of the LOC, expressed optimism that the influx of tourists into the state during the E1 championship would boost the local economy and urged artisans, traders, fishermen, and those in the hospitality industry to tap into the opportunity for economic development of the state and Nigeria at large.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwseun Osiyemi, another LOC member, emphasised that there is many untapped potential in Lagos waterways, noting that the championship would encourage more people to use alternative means of transportation on the water.
