News Investigators/ Lagos has made history by hosting Africa’s first-ever E1 Powerboat World Championship, showcasing its ambition to become the continent’s hub for sustainable sports and marine innovation.
The E1 Lagos Grand Prix, held on October 4 and 5, transformed Lagos Lagoon and Five Cowries Creek into an electrifying spectacle of zero-emission powerboat racing.
The event marked Africa’s debut on the E1 calendar, joining elite hosts such as Monaco, Venice, Jeddah and Miami in the global electric marine championship.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the race as “a proud moment for Lagos and Africa,” describing it as a triumph of innovation and environmental consciousness.
“This is not just sport; it’s a statement that Lagos is open for innovation, sustainability and investment,” Sanwo-Olu told reporters after the closing ceremony.
Organisers described Lagos as an “ideal host city” for its youthful demographics, vibrant waterfront and strong government commitment to sustainability and tourism growth.
Rodi Basso, Chief Executive Officer of E1, said Lagos was chosen for its “energy, creativity and capacity to inspire a clean-energy revolution in Africa.”
He added, during a media briefing on the event’s sidelines: “Lagos embodies the drive and vision for change we want E1 to represent globally.”
The futuristic RaceBird hydrofoil boats, each 24 feet long and powered by a 150kW electric motor and 35kWh battery, thrilled spectators along the waterfront.
The vessels reached speeds of up to 50 knots, gliding smoothly above water on hydrofoils while generating minimal wake and almost no noise pollution.
E1 organisers said the all-electric boats symbolised a shift towards zero-emission water mobility and marine innovation, particularly relevant to coastal cities like Lagos.
The Lagos Grand Prix formed part of E1’s global expansion to fifteen cities by 2030, with organisers targeting a €500 million valuation in the next five years.
E1 officials said Lagos beat several contenders to secure hosting rights, reflecting international confidence in Nigeria’s growing reputation for large-scale sporting events.
The Lagos State Government projected an economic impact of about $100 million, combining tourism, sponsorship, hospitality, logistics and media rights revenues.
Hotels across Victoria Island and Ikoyi recorded near-full occupancy, while restaurants and craft markets saw a sharp increase in patronage from visitors.
FirstBank served as the headline sponsor, with Access Holdings, Dangote Group and several hospitality brands supporting logistics and marketing for the weekend.
Beyond spectacle, Lagos used the event to push its “Omi Eko” blue economy initiative, aimed at reviving waterways and promoting sustainable urban transport.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the race proved how “sport can drive innovation, tourism and environmental awareness together.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thousands of spectators lined Victoria Island’s waterfronts, waving flags as the RaceBirds darted across the lagoon in controlled bursts of electric-powered speed.
The state government enforced temporary road diversions and restricted access to jetties near the racecourse for crowd safety and logistics coordination.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and Marine Police deployed patrols and rescue teams to monitor compliance and respond to any emergencies.
In spite of minor congestion, organisers praised the city’s coordination, particularly in pit operations, battery charging and hydrofoil stabilisation managed by trained Nigerian engineers.
Local engineers and marine technicians had undergone training in electric propulsion systems, facilitated by E1 in collaboration with Lagos technical institutions.
Environmentalists closely monitored water quality and marine activity to ensure no harm was caused to aquatic life during or after the race.
Organisers said environmental audits would be published, detailing energy usage, waste management, and ecological impact to meet sustainability commitments.
NAN also reports that RaceBirds’ minimal noise and zero fuel emissions won praise from coastal communities and environmental groups monitoring the championship.
E1 also pledged to support post-event coastal clean-ups and partner with Lagos environmental agencies on marine restoration projects around Five Cowries Creek.
Economists have described the $100 million impact forecast as ambitious, urging transparent auditing to determine real net benefits for public finances.
Dr Bisi Adebayo, a sports economist, said, “The prestige is clear, but long-term gain depends on accountability and reinvestment in local industries.”
Still, tourism analysts said Lagos’s successful hosting enhanced its image and positioned it as a destination for high-value international sporting events.
Digital engagement also surged, with global streams and social media mentions surpassing expectations, especially among young African audiences.
Comparatively, Monaco’s E1 race leveraged luxury tourism; Venice focused on heritage; Jeddah showcased futuristic architecture; and Miami capitalised on global broadcast reach.
Lagos, analysts noted, brought a distinctive African energy — vibrant, youthful and inclusive — making it a unique and compelling addition to the E1 circuit.
However, experts cautioned that Lagos must address persistent infrastructure gaps and coastal erosion to sustain its role in global marine sports.
Transport planners viewed the event as a live test for adopting electric ferries and sustainable marine mobility systems across Lagos waterways.
The state is already exploring pilot schemes for electric commuter ferries using technology inspired by RaceBird propulsion systems.
If implemented successfully, these initiatives could ease road congestion and align with Nigeria’s net-zero emission targets.
For Lagos, the next step lies in turning symbolic success into enduring policy and economic transformation within its blue economy framework.
Observers said continuous training, investment in marine technology, and transparent management would determine whether the event’s benefits endure.
Local youths employed as race marshals, hospitality assistants and engineers gained technical exposure and hands-on experience from international teams.
Communities along Five Cowries Creek received compensation for restricted movement during preparations and benefited from increased petty trading.
Safety agencies called the event a “model of coordination” that balanced innovation with marine safety under challenging urban conditions.
For Lagos, the bigger gain may be perception: rebranding from a congested megacity to an environmentally conscious, modern global hub.
International media described Lagos as “a bold and unconventional choice” that proved capable of managing complexity with creativity and resilience.
E1’s post-event review will analyse attendance data, media reach, and economic metrics before confirming Lagos’s eligibility for a recurring calendar slot.
If approved, Lagos could become a permanent E1 host city, joining Monaco and Jeddah as fixed locations in the global series.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has pledged further investment in maritime infrastructure, electric transport and youth innovation as part of Lagos’s post-event legacy.
“We’ve shown the world Lagos can deliver world-class events with purpose, precision and heart,” he said after presenting trophies to race winners.
Analysts said the event could catalyse development of local industries such as battery recycling, marine engineering and green energy logistics.
Universities like the University of Lagos and YabaTech are already exploring partnerships on electric propulsion research and renewable maritime technology.
Critics, however, insist legacy planning must go beyond publicity, ensuring benefits reach communities and spur lasting social and economic change.
To them, the true test of success lies in whether E1 sparks real sustainability reforms and wider participation in Lagos’s marine economy.
As the first African city to host E1, Lagos has set a benchmark—proving that Africa can stage clean, world-class sporting events.
The event blended culture, commerce and climate awareness, projecting a new image of African urban potential under the global spotlight.
Whether Lagos sustains the momentum remains uncertain, but the city has undeniably earned global applause—powered not by petrol, but by progress.
NAN