…Global electric powerboat championship to boost tourism, jobs, and clean energy innovation
Babajide Fadoju Reports …
Lagos has been confirmed as the first African city to host the prestigious E1 Grand Prix, the world’s electric powerboat championship.
The event, scheduled for October 2025, places Nigeria’s commercial hub on the same global stage as Monaco, Venice, and Jeddah, cementing its status as a rising force in international sport and sustainable innovation.
Founded in 2020 by Alejandro Agag, the brains behind Formula E and Extreme E, alongside former Formula 1 engineer Rodi Basso, the E1 GP aims to revolutionise marine mobility. The championship will feature high-speed, zero-emission “RaceBird” boats, designed to showcase the future of clean technology on water.
The series already boasts backing from global icons like Rafael Nadal, Tom Brady, Didier Drogba, Virat Kohli, and Sergio Pérez, while celebrities such as LeBron James and Will Smith are also among its supporters.
E1 CEO Rodi Basso described Lagos as the “heartbeat of Africa,” calling it a natural choice for the series’ debut on the continent. He stated that bringing E1 to Lagos is not only about racing but about creating a new legacy of clean technology, sustainability, and opportunity for the next generation.
Basso emphasized that when the RaceBird boats hit Lagos’ waterways, the city will be racing into a future defined by innovation and economic opportunity.
Beyond the sport, the event is expected to deliver major economic and social benefits. Thousands of visitors are anticipated to boost Lagos’s hospitality and entertainment sectors, while live global broadcasts will showcase the city to millions worldwide. Local vendors, artisans, logistics companies, and hospitality providers will benefit directly from the jobs and business growth generated by the event.
The championship will also serve as a platform for technology transfer, highlighting electric propulsion systems and opening doors for clean energy partnerships and smart city initiatives.
Furthermore, E1 GP will work with local NGOs on environmental action, including marine conservation, waterway clean-ups, and ecosystem restoration. A key focus will be on youth engagement, with educational programmes designed to inspire young Nigerians to pursue careers in engineering, innovation, and sports.
The Lagos State Government has thrown its full weight behind the championship, describing it as a global statement of inclusivity, creativity, and excellence. To deliver the event, the Local Organising Committee has appointed Teksight Edge as the exclusive concessionaire for sponsorship, media rights, and digital assets, with the lead strategist calling the Grand Prix a declaration of Africa’s readiness to deliver world-class experiences.
As the only African stop on the championship calendar, the E1 Lagos GP will blend high-speed competition with Nigerian culture, innovation, and entertainment. With celebrity-owned teams on the water and a global audience watching, the event is poised to drive tourism, create jobs, and firmly position Lagos as a hub for clean technology and sustainable development.
With the countdown underway, Lagos is preparing to welcome the world for what is set to be a defining moment in Africa’s sporting and cultural evolution.