Lagos set to host Africa’s first E1 electric powerboat championship

Lagos is gearing up to host Africa’s first-ever E1 Electric Powerboat Championship, a landmark sporting and tourism event that will place Nigeria’s commercial capital alongside global waterfront cities such as Monaco, Venice, and Jeddah.

The championship, scheduled to take place from October 3 to 5 at the Victoria Island waterfront, is expected to attract more than 250 international sports personalities, including teams backed by football legend Didier Drogba and Hollywood star Will Smith.

Organisers of the event, alongside the Lagos State Government, say the E1 Lagos Grand Prix goes beyond sport, symbolising the state’s commitment to clean energy, climate action, innovation, and the sustainable use of its waterways.

Chief Executive Officer of the E1 Series, Rodi Basso, said Lagos competed with other world-class cities to secure hosting rights, describing the event as an opportunity to showcase Nigeria on the global stage.

“The E1 Series showcases how boats can become more sustainable by leveraging alternative power and unique architecture to minimise environmental impact,” Basso explained.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sam Egube, said the event would highlight Lagos’ culture, commerce, and energy while positioning the city as a global hub for sustainability-driven innovation.

“For Lagos, this is proof of capacity — a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and creativity hosting an event that merges speed, sustainability, and innovation,” he said.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, projected that the influx of tourists would significantly boost the local economy, while Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, noted that the event would accelerate the state’s investment in water transportation.

He disclosed that the government’s Omi Eko project will soon unveil 72 electric boats to ease road congestion and expand transport options.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, assured that the Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to initiatives that not only promote tourism and culture but also increase Lagos’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

With Lagos’ “City of Aquatic Splendour” branding, stakeholders say the E1 Lagos GP will showcase Nigeria’s readiness for global sports, tourism, and investment, making history as the first of its kind on African waters.