As the first and only all-electric powerboat championship in the world, E1 has set its sights on transforming the marine industry with sustainable, high-performance racing. The Lagos Grand Prix marked a major step in this journey, as the RaceBirds competed for the first time ever on African waters. E1 Series co-founder Alejandro Agag emphasized the importance of the occasion: The RaceBirds—sleek, single-pilot electric hydrofoil boats capable of reaching speeds up to 50 knots—were a striking sight as they skimmed the surface of the lagoon. Powered by 150 kW electric motors and designed for agility, the boats demonstrated not only elite performance but also the potential of zero-emission marine technology.
The Lagos waterfront came alive as thousands gathered to witness the spectacle. With music, food, and cultural showcases accompanying the races, the event had the air of a citywide celebration. Locals waved Nigerian flags while schoolchildren in specially organized science programs watched wide-eyed from the docks. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attended the opening ceremony, expressing pride in the city’s role as host. The event also attracted international celebrities and investors from the sports and tech worlds, further amplifying the prestige of the African debut. Perhaps the most resonant moment of the weekend came when Team Nigeria Aqua Force launched their RaceBird, captained by Nigerian pilot Ayo Okonkwo. The roar from the crowd as Okonkwo sped across the water was unmatched. In a post-race interview, Okonkwo said: Team Nigeria’s participation underscores E1’s commitment to building local partnerships and nurturing talent in every host country, rather than merely staging traveling spectacles.
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Beyond racing, the E1 Series is rooted in environmental stewardship. Organizers partnered with Lagos-based marine research institutions and local NGOs to conduct clean-up initiatives, plastic pollution awareness drives, and marine education programs in the lead-up to the event. Ngozi Daramola, a marine conservationist from the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography, praised the efforts:Looking ahead, E1 has indicated plans to return to Lagos in future seasons and potentially expand into other African cities with vibrant waterfronts, including Cape Town, Mombasa, and Dakar.The debut of the E1 RaceBirds in Lagos has gone far beyond the watersports realm. It has provided a glimpse into a cleaner, faster, and more connected future—where technology meets tradition, and Africa takes a central role on the global stage of innovation.As the sun set over the Lagos skyline, the wake of the RaceBirds shimmered behind them—not just on the surface of the water, but across the pages of African sporting history
