…Hosts Africa’s first E1 GP
By Henry Umahi
It is not for nothing that Lagos is regarded as the state with swag and vibe. It also parades such sobriquets as “centre of excellence” and “state of aquatic splendour.”
Lagos, which symbolises sophistication, is the heartbeat of creativity and culture in Africa. Also, it has “a significant influence on politics, commerce, technology, education, entertainment, art, tourism and fashion in the continent.
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Lagos is set to put up another show for Africa and the rest of the world. Between October 3 and 5, it will host Africa’s first all-electric powerboat race. Venue is Victoria Island.
With this, Lagos joins iconic host cities such as Monaco, Venice, and Jeddah as an iconic global host city, firmly placing Africa on the E1 calendar.
According to the organizers, Lagos waters will become a global arena, bringing together fans, leaders, and innovators. Beyond the racing, Lagos is set to deliver world-class hospitality, cultural showcases, and vibrant fan activations across the city.
The Lagos GP is not just about racing. Powered by 100% electric RaceBirds, it will bring the Blue Impact Programme to Africa, supporting ecosystem restoration, STEM education for young Nigerians, and dialogues on climate action.
Teams owned by legends such as Didier Drogba, LeBron James, Will Smith, and Virat Kohli are set to compete, but Lagos will be the real winner, emerging as a showcase of Africa’s innovation, culture, and sustainability leadership.
Speaking at a media event, the chief executive officer of E1, Mr Rodriguez Basso, explained: “Lagos is more than just a host city; it is the heartbeat of Africa’s innovation, energy, and resilience. Bringing E1 here is not only about racing; it’s about creating a new legacy of clean technology, sustainability, and opportunity for the next generation. We are proud to work with Lagos in setting a standard for what the future of marine sport can be.
“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 not only 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.”
Basso disclosed that 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.
Representatives of Lagos State, including the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Samuel Egube, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, were on hand to highlight government’s shared vision for the event. They also explained the expected impact of the championship on the state in terms of tourism, economic growth, job creation, and sustainability initiatives.
“As a government, we see in E1 the alignment of sport, innovation, and sustainability. The E1 Lagos GP is not just a race; it is a statement of what Lagos stands for — inclusion, creativity, and excellence. Together, we are placing our city on the world stage as the true centre of excellence and aquatic splendour.”
Ebube, who is the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the historic event, said: “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.
“The event will stimulate a significant amount of growth. The race alone will not add anything less than $100 million to investments in Lagos.
“Tourism plays a vital role in driving economic activities, promoting trade, sports and facilitating cultural exchange.”
He noted that beyond sporting significance, the E1 championship would showcase Lagos on the global map in line with the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to joining international conversations on sustainable energy and innovation in marine transport.
Akosile pointed out that “Lagos is ever ready for activities that will spotlight it to generate revenue and increase its Gross Domestic Product and that of the country at large.”
Benson-Awoyinka expressed optimism that the influx of tourists into the state during the championship would boost the local economy. She charged artisans, traders, fishermen, and those in the hospitality industry to tap into the opportunity for economic development of the state and Nigeria at large.
Indeed, the championship will be a major milestone for the sport and for Lagos’ role in global sustainability conversations.
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