In a groundbreaking development that signals Africa’s arrival on the global sustainable sports stage, Lagos State is set to host the continent’s first E1 Lagos GP from October 4-5, 2025, placing Nigeria’s commercial capital alongside prestigious international destinations like Monaco, Venice, and Jeddah.
A Historic Moment for Africa
The Lagos State Government on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to showcasing Lagos as a hub of resilience, opportunity and enterprise, with global attention set to focus on its waterways as the city hosts the E1 Lagos GP from October 3 to 5 in Victoria Island, during a media immersion session held at Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo, Ikoyi.
Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sam Egube, and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, stated this on Friday during a media immersion programme. The event marks a watershed moment as Lagos becomes the first African city to host the E1 Lagos GP.
The Racing Revolution
The E1 Series represents a paradigm shift in marine motorsports. The E1 Lagos GP is part of the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series, designed to promote sustainability, innovation, and marine conservation through high-speed, competitive water sports. Launched in 2020, the E1 series was co-founded by Alejandro Agag, a renowned name in sustainable motorsport and founder of Formula E and Extreme E, alongside Rodi Basso, a former Formula 1 engineer and McLaren executive.
The championship features cutting-edge electric RaceBird boats—sleek hydrofoil vessels that glide above the water at speeds of over 90 km/h, using zero emissions. What sets E1 apart from traditional motorsports is its commitment to gender equality: each team includes one male and one female pilot, promoting gender equality in motorsports.
Star-Studded Celebrity Backing
The E1 Lagos GP boasts an impressive roster of celebrity team owners that reads like a who’s who of global sports and entertainment. The E1 Lagos GP will feature celebrity-owned teams led by icons such as Didier Drogba, Rafael Nadal, Tom Brady, and Virat Kohli, racing in 100% electric RaceBird boats. Global stars including LeBron James and Will Smith are also backing the series, further elevating the event’s international profile.
Economic Powerhouse Event
Lagos State officials are projecting massive economic returns from the historic event. “The event will stimulate a significant amount of growth. The race alone will not add anything less than $100 million to investments in Lagos”, said Sam Egube, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Deputy Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor.
The economic impact extends beyond direct revenue. More than 250 international participants, including athletes, teams, and VIPs, are expected, along with 10,000 to 15,000 visitors during the race week.
Major Brand Partnerships
The event has attracted significant corporate sponsorship, with leading brands Guinness and Singleton Whiskey throwing their weight behind the E1 Lagos GP as headline sponsors. First Bank of Nigeria Limited is partnering with the organisers of the championship as the presenting partner.
“For us at Guinness, Lagos is more than a city; it’s the heartbeat of African creativity, energy, and resilience,” said Yinka Bakare, Marketing and Innovation Director at Guinness Nigeria. The partnerships also include support from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which has invested in Team Drogba.
Sustainability and Innovation Focus
Beyond the spectacle, the E1 Lagos GP serves as a showcase for sustainable technology and environmental stewardship. The E1 series will work with local NGOs on marine conservation, waterway clean-ups, and ecosystem restoration. The event also highlights cutting-edge electric propulsion systems, creating opportunities for clean energy partnerships, e-mobility solutions, and smart city projects.
This aligns with Lagos State’s own sustainability initiatives, including the Omi Eko project, which will introduce electric boats to the state’s waterways system.
A Weekend of Action
The weekend will feature free practice and qualifying on October 3, followed by semi-finals and finals on October 4-5, with fan zones, exclusive VIP lounges, and cultural showcases blending high-octane action with Nigerian heritage.
Nine teams competing, including celebrity-backed squads, will race on the Lagos Lagoon in what promises to be a fusion of cutting-edge technology, world-class competition, and vibrant Nigerian culture.
Infrastructure and Preparation
The General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, assured participants that comprehensive measures are being put in place to guarantee smooth operations. The state has been working extensively to prepare its waterfront infrastructure for the international event.
Global Recognition
The E1 Lagos GP represents more than a sporting event; it’s a statement of Africa’s readiness to contribute to a global sustainable future. E1 CEO Rodi Basso described Lagos as a natural choice for the series’ African debut. “Lagos is more than just a host city; it is the heartbeat of Africa’s innovation, energy, and resilience”.
As Lagos prepares to welcome the world to its waters, the E1 Lagos GP stands as a testament to the city’s ambitious vision and its commitment to leading Africa into a new era of sustainable innovation and global competitiveness.
The countdown has begun for what promises to be a defining moment in African sports and a spectacular showcase of Lagos’s potential on the world stage.
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