The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF is set to race in Lagos

The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF, the world’s first all-electric raceboat Championship, today announces that Lagos will host the first E1 race on the African continent later this year.

To be held over the weekend of October 4 to 5, the Lagos race will mark an important milestone for the Championship as it continues to expand to already scheduled European, Middle Eastern and North American races. 

As Africa’s largest city, Lagos is poised to join other iconic coastal locations, including Monaco, Doha and Miami, as a destination for the pioneering electric racing series.

Home to an estimated 21 million people, Lagos is regarded as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking cities in Africa, embracing sustainable tourism and technology. The E1 RaceBirds will take flight for the first time on African waters across the Lagos Lagoon.

Set to bring a touch of glamour to the Nigerian metropolis as well as aiming to boost investment in Africa, the Championship features nine teams owned by a series of high-profile talents including African football legend Didier Drogba, NFL icon Tom Brady, NBA Champion Lebron James, Hollywood actor Will Smith, and tennis superstar Rafael Nadal. All are aligned with E1’s purpose of accelerating the development and deployment of electrified marine mobility and supporting the regeneration of coastal environments. 

The announcement follows the appointment of an African consortium to promote the race, which includes the Didier Drogba Foundation, Lilium Capital Group and the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) - the impact investment platform of African Export-Import Bank Afreximbank. 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State, said: “We’re delighted to bring the most exciting electric racing Championship in the world to Lagos, one of the world’s most exciting cities. 

“E1 is leveraging sport and competition as a platform to further sustainable initiatives that are so crucial to coastal cities such as ours. It brings me great pride to welcome the Championship and to spotlight our incredible city to a global audience.”

Didier Drogba, Founder and co-owner of Team Drogba, said: “Bringing E1 to Africa is a dream come true. I’m energised to showcase the beauty of the continent and the warmth of its people at the Lagos race. 

“This event will demonstrate the city’s ambition to be at the forefront of technology and sustainability and makes me immensely proud to be an African team owner in E1.”

Alejandro Agag, Chairman and co-founder of E1, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring the action and drama of our pioneering Championship to the waters of Africa. Lagos is a stunning location with big ambitions – we’re looking forward to delivering an event at the intersection of sport, entertainment and sustainability as the city joins us in our electric revolution.”

Rodi Basso, CEO and co-founder of E1, said: “Lagos is a dynamic and enterprising city brimming with new ideas, which makes it the ideal addition to our E1 race calendar. Together with our event partners, we look to the future to chart a course for a more sustainable Africa using our inspirational and entertaining sporting spectacle and the technology platform it provides for the development of cleaner marine mobility.

“The announcement marks the expansion of the championship to a fourth continent – further solidifying E1 as a truly global sport.”

Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said: "Afreximbank is proud to support the growth of E1 in Africa. Our commitment to supporting sustainable initiatives and advancing technology across the continent aligns perfectly with E1’s mission. This partnership is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate Africa’s leadership in innovation and sustainability on the global stage."

Mr. Simon Tiemtore, Chairman & CEO of Lilium Capital Group and Co-owner of Team Drogba, said: " At Lilium Capital Group, we are excited to be co-owning Team Drogba. Our vision for the future includes a strong focus on sustainability and technological advancements, and we are thrilled to contribute to bringing the electrifying experience of E1 to Africa, fostering innovation and supporting green energy solutions."

Ms. Marlene Ngoyi, Chief Executive Officer of FEDA and Co-owner of Team Drogba through FEDA, said: "We are delighted to be appointed by E1 to help bring the Championship’s exciting electric racing format to Africa. Our market knowledge, insight, and expertise will be invaluable in showcasing E1’s unique blend of sport, sustainability.”