The UIM E1 World Championship has named the Didier Drogba Foundation as its official Social Impact Partner. 

Supporting the Foundations’ core purpose of working ‘for an educated, healthy and peaceful Africa’, the partnership will reinforce Didier Drogba’s commitment to the series as one of its first team owners, and will highlight E1’s commitment to both social impact and Africa.

The Didier Drogba Foundation was founded in 2007 by the former Ivory Coast and Chelsea football legend, and now philanthropist and E1 Team Owner. Committed to improving the lives of underprivileged children and young people in Africa, the foundation focuses on providing education and healthcare for people affected by poverty, disease and conflict.

Implementing projects throughout the continent of Africa, the Didier Drogba Foundation has been involved in building medical centres and schools, supporting disadvantaged children in education, and providing aid to victims of natural disasters.

Didier Drogba is accompanied in his work towards making a positive impact on the lives of African children by his partner, Gabrielle Lemaire, who serves as vice-president of Didier Drogba Foundation and shares Didier’s passion to be a change-maker and to build a better future for generations to come.

Support for the Foundation stands as one of the core pillars of the E1 Series’ Social Impact policies for the inaugural season and beyond. The E1 Series plans to use its global appeal and range of international events to help organise annual fundraisers for the Didier Drogba Foundation and boost its reach to an even broader audience. 

Didier Drogba, President of the Didier Drogba Foundation, and Gabrielle Lemaire, Vice-President of Didier Drogba Foundation said: “We are delighted to become E1 Social Impact Partner and join forces to build a better Africa and a better World. We are grateful to Alejandro, Rodi and the E1 family for their commitment to social impact in Africa, and we are convinced that together we will scale the impact of the Didier Drogba Foundation and bring renewed hope to millions of children that dream for a brighter and better future for Africa.

"Didier has been an inspiration to millions in a multitude of ways both with his on-field career and with his work now beyond. The work of the Foundation is truly inspirational, and it’s an honour for E1 to join with them in their mission,” said Alejandro Agag, co-founder and Chairman of the UIM E1 World Championship. 

"Didier is an influential force for good in Africa and has been delivering impactful, charitable initiatives across the continent for several years. We’re proud to partner with the Foundation to help Didier further his work and continue to help those who need it most. At E1, we’re committed to driving change, and through this collaboration, it will help us on our journey to realising this mission,” said Rodi Basso, CEO and co-founder of E1.

As part of the partnership, a fundraising gala dinner aimed at spreading awareness and boosting funds for the foundation will be scheduled during the 2024 calendar.