Sanwo-Olu restates Lagos readiness to Host Africa’s First E1 Powerboat Championship

E1 Powerboat racing in Monaco at the weekend. 

Lagos is set to make history as it becomes the first African city to host the prestigious E1 Championship in October this year  — the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series — bringing global attention to its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and sporting excellence.

 l-r: President, DANGOTE Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Ex-Ivorian Football International, Didier Drogba; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and a guest at the E1 Racing championship in Monaco. 

Over the weekend, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajidqe Sanwo-Olu led delegation to attend the Monaco leg of the E1 series, immersing in the high-octane world of electric marine racing.

According to Sanwo-Olu on his X-platform, the experience offered more than just a glimpse of thrilling sport — it was a bold showcase of cutting-edge technology and environmental innovation, values Lagos is embracing as it charts a new course toward a cleaner, more dynamic future.

 l-r: Spanish former tennis player/ex-ATP No. 1, Rafael Nadal exchanging greetings with Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the E1 Racing championship in Monaco.

The landmark event is scheduled for October 4–5, 2025, and will position Lagos not just as a host, but as a thought leader in clean marine innovation and sustainable tourism.

The Governor noted that it would spotlight the city’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, and global ambitions while promoting local opportunities for economic growth, green investment, and youth engagement in sports.

E1 Powerboat racing in Monaco at the weekend 

“This is a powerful reminder of what is possible when vision meets action,” Sanwo-Olu said . “The E1 Championship represents the future — and Lagos is ready to lead from the front.”

He added that the event will also serve as a major boost to Lagos’s growing profile as a destination for international events, aligning with efforts to promote the state as Africa’s hub for innovation, tourism, and environmental responsibility.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (second right); Spanish former tennis player/ex-ATP No. 1, Rafael Nadal (third right); Co-founder/Chairman of Formula E, Alejandro Agag (right); President, DANGOTE Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (middle) and others at the E1 Racing championship in Monaco.

The Governor appraised the bold move by Afreximbank, which has emerged as a major partner by backing Team Drogba, one of the prominent E1 race teams. The bank’s involvement underscores its commitment to championing African excellence and supporting initiatives that amplify the continent’s global presence.

“This partnership with Afreximbank is more than financial — it’s symbolic of a shared vision to elevate Africa’s voice and visibility on the world stage,” he added.

E1 Powerboat racing in Monaco.