The city of Lagos is set to make history this weekend as it welcomes the Electric Powerboat Racing Championship (E1 Series), the first-ever electric powerboat race to take place on the African continent. The event, scheduled for Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5, 2025, will unfold on the scenic waters of the Victoria Island Lagoon and is expected to draw global attention, showcasing Nigeria’s emergence as a hub for innovation, sports, and sustainable energy.
A Milestone for Lagos and Africa
The Lagos edition of the E1 Series marks the first time the electric powerboat championship will be staged in Africa, following previous races in Europe and the Middle East. The series, founded with the vision of combining speed, technology, and sustainability, is often described as the “Formula 1 of the seas”, with teams competing in futuristic, battery-powered raceboats that glide across water at thrilling speeds.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed excitement about the event, describing it as a symbol of Lagos’ readiness to embrace clean energy and futuristic sporting innovations. “Hosting the E1 Series is not just about racing. It is about Lagos presenting itself as the city of the future — where sports, tourism, technology, and sustainability intersect,” the governor said in a statement ahead of the event.
The Lagos State Government has partnered with international organizers of the E1 Series to ensure smooth logistics, security, and infrastructure, while also emphasizing the potential of the event to boost tourism and investment in Nigeria.
What Is the E1 Series?
The Electric Powerboat Racing Championship (E1 Series) is a new global motorsport created to accelerate clean water mobility technologies. Founded by Alejandro Agag — also behind the Formula E electric car racing series — and Rodi Basso, a former Formula 1 engineer, the championship seeks to demonstrate the power of electric innovation on water.
The boats, called RaceBirds, are powered entirely by electric batteries. They are designed for high performance, capable of speeds above 50 knots (around 93 km/h), and built with sleek aerodynamic bodies that reduce drag and maximize efficiency.
Each E1 event typically features multiple teams, often backed by celebrities, athletes, or global brands. Past seasons have included team owners such as tennis champion Rafael Nadal, Formula 1 star Sergio Perez, and DJ/producer Steve Aoki. Lagos, therefore, is not only hosting a race but also welcoming a star-studded cast of global sports and entertainment figures.
Why Lagos?
Lagos was chosen as the African host city because of its strategic location, vibrant culture, and ambitious sustainability agenda. The Victoria Island Lagoon provides a natural amphitheater for spectators, while the city’s reputation as the commercial capital of Nigeria ensures global visibility.
According to the organizers, Lagos was a “perfect fit” for E1’s goal of expanding into emerging markets. The city combines a large young population with rising interest in lifestyle sports and entertainment, alongside government efforts to modernize transport and embrace renewable energy.
Tourism experts believe the championship could attract thousands of visitors, both local and international, generating millions of dollars in hospitality, transport, and entertainment spending. The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism has already projected a significant boost to hotels, restaurants, and small businesses in the Victoria Island and Lekki corridors during the race weekend.
Traffic and Waterway Adjustments
Hosting a major international event in the bustling heart of Lagos has required extensive planning for traffic and security management. The Lagos State Government announced a series of road closures, diversions, and waterway restrictions to ensure public safety and smooth race operations.
Road Closures
- 1st Lekki Junction inward Ozumba Mbadiwe Street will be closed for the duration of the event (October 3–5).
- Alternative routes have been provided for motorists traveling between Ajah, Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and the Mainland.
Waterway Restrictions
- From October 2 to 5, sections of the lagoon and Five Cowries Creek will be partially or totally closed to private boats and ferries at specific times.
- All jetties and terminals along the Five Cowries Creek will be closed during race days, resuming normal operations on Monday, October 6.
Parking Arrangements
Designated parking has been arranged at Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and the Nigerian Law School premises on Victoria Island, with shuttle services provided to viewing zones.
These measures underline the scale of preparations required for an event of this magnitude, reflecting the government’s determination to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.
The Sustainability Angle
Beyond the spectacle of high-speed racing, the Lagos E1 Series is also about promoting sustainability and clean energy adoption. The boats run exclusively on electricity, with zero emissions. Organizers have pledged to leave behind a “blue legacy” in Lagos, including investment in charging infrastructure, water-cleaning technologies, and youth engagement programs.
Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos, noted that the event resonates with the state’s broader environmental goals. “This championship is more than entertainment. It is a bold statement that Lagos is committed to innovation, green energy, and preserving our waterways for future generations,” he said.
Economic and Social Impact
The Lagos E1 Championship is expected to have far-reaching impact:
- Tourism Boost: Visitors from across Nigeria and abroad are expected to flock to the city, filling hotels, beaches, restaurants, and nightlife spots.
- Job Creation: The event has created temporary jobs in logistics, hospitality, security, and technical support.
- Technology Transfer: Nigerian engineers and technicians working with E1 teams are gaining exposure to cutting-edge electric mobility technology.
- Youth Inspiration: By showcasing innovation-driven sports, the event is seen as a way to inspire Nigerian youth to embrace science, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
Experts believe the championship could become a regular feature in Lagos’ sporting calendar, with ripple effects on tourism and investment.
Global Spotlight on Lagos
As the world tunes in to watch the Lagos E1 Series, the city is preparing to showcase not just racing action but also its cultural vibrancy. Organizers have lined up concerts, art exhibitions, and food festivals alongside the main race, offering visitors a taste of Lagos’ unique energy.
International broadcasters will beam the event live to millions of viewers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. For Lagos, this represents an unprecedented opportunity to rebrand itself as a global destination city — dynamic, modern, and forward-looking.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the excitement, challenges remain. Critics have pointed to concerns about:
- Traffic gridlock in already congested Victoria Island.
- Access restrictions affecting commuters and businesses around the race site.
- Environmental risks of large-scale events, even those centered on sustainability.
However, Lagos authorities have assured residents that measures are in place to mitigate these issues, with strict monitoring of both land and water activities.
Conclusion
The Lagos Electric Powerboat Racing Championship E1 Series is more than just a sports competition. It is a symbol of Africa’s entry into a new era of clean-energy innovation, global sports, and tourism development. For Lagos, hosting the race is both a challenge and an opportunity — to prove it can stage world-class events while advancing a vision of sustainability and modernity.
From October 3 to 5, all eyes will be on Victoria Island Lagoon, where the roar of electric engines will not only thrill spectators but also signal Africa’s place on the map of future-forward sports.
Lagos is ready — and the world is watching.
