History Is Made! Lagos becomes the first African city to host E1 Electric Powerboat Race (PHOTOS)

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced that Lagos has become the first African city to host the prestigious E1 electric powerboat race, known as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix.

The E1 Lagos GP has placed Lagos among notable global waterfront cities such as Monaco, Miami, and Venice.

Sanwo-Olu, in a post on his official media handle on Friday, described the event as a milestone that highlights the city’s embrace of clean energy, innovation, and opportunities for young people.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his goodwill message and for reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability and the blue economy.

“By joining cities like Monaco, London, and Venice on the E1 calendar, Lagos has once again shown that we are bold, resilient, and ready to take our place on the global stage,” the governor stated.

Drogba and Lemaire are among the several global celebrities who own E1 teams. Other notable owners include American basketball great LeBron James and Grand Slam tennis champion Rafael Nadal.

“Bringing E1 to Africa represents a pivotal moment in our mission to grow electric racing globally,” said Rodi Basso, founder and CEO of E1.

Lagos, known for its vibrant entertainment scene, “brings incredible energy, creativity and ambition that matches E1’s DNA perfectly,” Basso said.

The teams participating in the Championship include Team Drogba, led by former football icon Didier Drogba, which also features investment from Afreximbank, and Team AlUla, owned by basketball star LeBron James. Other teams, founded by celebrities such as Will Smith, Marc Anthony, Steve Aoki, and Rafael Nadal, are also expected to compete.

Beyond the racing, Lagos embraced the event as a platform for clean marine innovation. The city’s selection was strategic: a vibrant waterfront, growing interest in green shipping, and a desire to showcase Africa’s role in the global energy transition. Local leaders used the event to spotlight electric ferry initiatives, sustainable tourism, and tech investment in coastal infrastructure.