Lagos is charting a bold new course in clean energy innovation and global sporting relevance, as it becomes the first African city to host the E1 Championship, the world’s premier electric powerboat racing series. Set for October 4–5, 2025, the event positions Lagos at the intersection of green transportation, urban innovation, and international visibility.
Announced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after attending the Monaco leg of the championship, the development marks more than just another sporting event. It signifies Lagos’ readiness to join a global conversation around zero-emission mobility, sustainable marine transportation, and city-scale climate solutions.
More Than a Race: A Vision for Clean Energy Leadership
The E1 Championship is no ordinary racing series. It is the first all-electric powerboat race of its kind, designed to highlight the potential of sustainable mobility solutions on water. Featuring sleek, high-speed electric raceboats known as RaceBirds, the event combines high-octane competition with climate-conscious innovation.
While cities like Monaco, Jeddah, and Venice have already hosted E1 events, Lagos’ inclusion breaks new ground—not just as Africa’s representative but as a city already laying the groundwork for a sustainable maritime future.
“This is a major milestone for Lagos. It shows we’re ready to lead the global conversation on clean energy and marine transportation,” Sanwo-Olu said in a public statement. “We’re not just hosting a race—we’re opening a new chapter for our city.”
The Strategic Backing of Afreximbank and Team Drogba
Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for backing Lagos’ efforts, notably through its investment in Team Drogba—one of the participating E1 Championship teams, led by Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba.
This partnership underscores Afreximbank’s growing role in sustainable development finance and its belief in Lagos as a viable location for clean-energy transition efforts.
E1 Championship as a Catalyst for Urban Mobility Transformation
What makes this announcement even more compelling is its alignment with Lagos’ broader efforts to redefine urban transportation—particularly on water. The state has already launched the Omi Eko Project, a €410 million public-private initiative to overhaul its inland water transport system by 2030.
This ambitious project—currently in its rollout phase—is supported by international partners like the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), European Union, and European Investment Bank (EIB), which are contributing €360 million. Lagos State is committing €40 million, with another €10 million expected from the private sector.
The Omi Eko Project includes:
- 15 ferry routes
- 25 new or upgraded terminals
- 78 electric ferries equipped with solar-powered charging stations
- Smart ticketing, Cowry Card integration, and modern waiting lounges
By reducing emissions, relieving road congestion, and connecting waterfront communities, the project mirrors the very ethos of the E1 Championship—making clean, efficient, and inclusive transportation the backbone of a sustainable city.
Why Lagos and Why Now?
Lagos is one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world, with a population projected to exceed 24 million by 2030. This growth demands bold and scalable solutions for urban mobility. Hosting the E1 Championship gives Lagos the platform to showcase its clean energy ambitions, but it also serves as a testbed for innovation.
The waterfronts of Lagos, once viewed as underutilized, are now being seen as critical arteries for economic activity, tourism, and environmental stewardship. In this context, the powerboat race is both symbol and signal—a sign that Lagos is ready to be more than a regional leader. It aims to be a model for African cities reimagining their future.
Sports Meets Sustainability: A New Kind of Branding
Beyond infrastructure and policy, the E1 event allows Lagos to engage in city branding through sustainability. In a world where global cities compete for investment, talent, and tourism, Lagos is using this event to rebrand itself as forward-thinking, vibrant, and climate-aware.
“It’s an opportunity to show the world what makes Lagos special—our culture, our energy, and our people,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.
Expect to see cultural showcases, local tech exhibitions, and youth-focused environmental education campaigns surrounding the October event. It won’t just be about the race; it will be about Lagos showing the world its identity as a rising global city.
Unlocking Economic Opportunities
The E1 Championship is expected to drive tourism, create temporary jobs, and attract attention from global investors. Additionally, it aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals and international obligations, especially under the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event will also stimulate Lagos’ blue economy—an economic framework focused on sustainable ocean and waterway use. This includes opportunities for:
- Electric ferry manufacturing and maintenance
- Green energy development
- Local tech innovation in marine logistics
- Hospitality, event planning, and eco-tourism
What to Expect in October
The Lagos E1 Championship will span two days in October 2025, featuring multiple race sessions, public fan zones, entertainment stages, and exhibitions. The visual spectacle of RaceBirds zooming across the Lagos Lagoon will undoubtedly captivate audiences both locally and globally.
More importantly, it will leave behind a message: Africa’s cities can lead the way in clean-energy innovation, not just follow.
The Road Ahead
Lagos has long been a cultural and commercial capital. Now, it’s adding climate leadership and technological foresight to its growing list of accolades. From hosting the E1 Championship to executing the Omi Eko Project, Lagos is proving that big cities can be bold, green, and globally relevant.
Whether the E1 Championship becomes an annual fixture or a one-time showcase, it will serve as a historic turning point—one where Nigeria’s most dynamic city accelerates its journey toward a cleaner, more connected future.
