Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has proudly announced that Lagos will host the 2025 E1 Electric Powerboat Championship, making it the first African city to welcome this prestigious global event. He made the official announcement on Sunday through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, shortly after attending the E1 Championship race in Monaco.

While sharing highlights of his visit, the governor emphasized how the championship represents the power of innovation, determination, and bold ideas to drive transformation. He also expressed how thrilled he is that Lagos will be at the center of such a revolutionary event.

“This weekend, we were in Monaco experiencing the E1 Racing Championship. It was a good reminder of how innovation, determination, and bold ideas can come together to create something truly groundbreaking,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Lagos to Host E1 Championship on October 4–5, 2025

Without delay, Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that the race will take place on October 4th and 5th, 2025. He described this as a landmark achievement for both the sport and the city. According to him, hosting the E1 Championship reflects Lagos’ growing presence in global conversations around sustainability, clean energy, and innovation.

“I’m proud to share that Lagos will become the first African city to host the E1 Championship on October 4th and 5th, 2025. That’s a major milestone for the sport and for what it says about our city,” he said.

By securing the hosting rights, Lagos sends a clear message to the international community: the city is ready to lead in marine technology and sustainable urban innovation.

Showcasing the Culture and Energy of Lagos

Moving forward, Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the event will offer Lagos a rare chance to display its cultural richness, dynamic energy, and warm hospitality to the world. Through the global spotlight, Lagos aims to attract visitors, investors, and new opportunities.

“This is an opportunity to show the world what makes Lagos special—our culture, our energy, and our people. It’s a chance to welcome visitors, share our stories, and highlight the incredible potential of our city,” he added.

Clearly, the event will serve not only as a sporting competition but also as a platform to redefine Lagos’ global image and promote tourism and investment.

Afreximbank’s Strategic Support Paved the Way

Importantly, the governor acknowledged the essential role played by Afreximbank in bringing the championship to Lagos. He expressed gratitude to the financial institution for believing in the city’s capabilities and for supporting this groundbreaking project.

“I’m grateful to Afreximbank for their support, not just as a partner but as a believer in what Lagos can achieve. Their investment in Team Drogba and their commitment to this vision mean a great deal,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

This partnership reflects the shared ambition to position Lagos—and Africa—as a leader in clean energy sports and innovation-driven development.

A Major Step Toward Eco-Friendly Sports in Africa

Undoubtedly, the E1 Championship marks a significant shift toward environmentally responsible sports. As the world’s first and only electric powerboat racing series, it promotes sustainable marine transport by using boats powered entirely by clean energy.

With that in mind, Lagos’ decision to host the race reinforces its commitment to green innovation and climate-conscious development. In fact, the event aligns perfectly with the city’s goals of reducing environmental impact while encouraging high-tech growth.

Lagos Vows to Deliver a Top-Tier Sporting Experience

Looking ahead, Governor Sanwo-Olu gave his assurance that Lagos is fully prepared to deliver a world-class experience. He expressed confidence in the city’s ability to meet international standards and to wow spectators from around the globe.

“We’re bringing a world-class sporting event to our shores. We’re opening a new chapter for Lagos, and I can’t wait for the world to see what we have to offer,” he said with optimism.

By hosting the E1 Championship, Lagos is not only breaking new ground in sports—it is also showcasing its readiness for global innovation partnerships and sustainable urban growth.

Understanding the E1 Championship

The E1 Championship is the first-ever electric powerboat racing series sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM). Designed to promote sustainability in marine mobility, it features high-speed races between electric-powered boats in urban waterfronts across the globe.

Each E1 race demonstrates the power of clean energy technologies, offering a glimpse into the future of eco-conscious water transport. Cities that host the championship include some of the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking locations—soon to include Lagos.

Why This Matters for Africa

This upcoming event holds broader importance beyond sports. It signals a new chapter for Africa in the global conversation around sustainable development. As the continent faces the challenges of climate change and energy transition, hosting events like the E1 Championship creates space for solutions and innovation.

Through this, Lagos is not only gaining international recognition—it is also positioning itself as a trailblazer in green energy, technological advancement, and global sports entertainment.

Final Thoughts

In every way, the announcement of Lagos as host of the 2025 E1 Electric Powerboat Championship represents a transformative moment. Thanks to the vision of Governor Sanwo-Olu and the support of strategic partners like Afreximbank, Lagos is now set to take its place on the world stage.

By doing so, the city will lead Africa into a new era where clean energy, innovation, and sports unite to shape a brighter, more sustainable future.