Amanze Chinonye
Lagos is set to make history as it welcomes Africa’s first all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, scheduled for October 3 – 5, 2025, on the scenic Lagos Lagoon.
The two-day event is part of the E1 World Championship, a Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM)-sanctioned series founded by Alejandro Agag creator of Formula E and Extreme E and Italian aerospace engineer Rodi Basso.
The championship aims to pioneer sustainable offshore racing with zero-emission electric hydrofoil boats, known as RaceBirds, which are capable of speeds of up to 50 knots (about 93 km/h).
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Designed by SeaBird Technologies in collaboration with Victory Marine, the RaceBird uses a 150 kW electric motor powered by a 35 kWh Kreisel battery and rides on hydrofoils that lift the hull above the water to reduce drag and increase efficiency.
Beyond the thrill of racing, organisers say the E1 Lagos Grand Prix is about protecting waterways, restoring coastlines, and inspiring climate action, reflecting the series’ mission to highlight the urgent need for sustainable marine solutions.
The Lagos Grand Prix will feature several international teams, including Team AlUla, which has confirmed drivers Nerea Martí and André Solvang for the Nigerian race.
Global sporting icons such as Didier Drogba have also partnered with Lagos authorities to help bring the E1 Series to Africa, underscoring the event’s high-profile support.
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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the race as a platform to showcase Lagos’ creativity, resilience, and readiness to embrace sustainable innovation. The state government is working with marine police, the Nigerian Navy, and other agencies to ensure safety and smooth operations during the competition.
Safety and Track Record: While the RaceBirds are built for high speeds, the E1 Series has maintained a strong safety record since its launch. In July 2025, during qualifying in Monaco, a high-speed collision involving Team Rafa and Team Brazil damaged one of the boats and forced officials to halt the session with a red flag.
The pilot, Tom Chiappe, escaped uninjured thanks to rapid emergency response measures, which organisers say illustrate the championship’s strict safety protocols.
Organisers say the event will combine high-speed racing with fan engagement, including planned entertainment zones and STEM activities to promote science and green technology.
The Lagos stop follows successful E1 races in Europe and the Middle East and marks a significant step in positioning Africa within the global push for clean-energy sports and marine technology.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
