Lagos is turning its waterways into a racetrack this October with the E1 Lagos Grand Prix 2025, the first African edition of the UIM E1 World Championship. From October 4–5, electric powerboats will blaze across the Lagos Lagoon in a spectacle of speed, tech, and eco-friendly design.
Over two days, expect Free Practice, Qualifying, and high-stakes Race Day drama. Beyond the race itself, the event will feature Fan Villages, VIP Club Paddocks, and zones designed for families, fans, sponsors, and enthusiasts to mix sport, entertainment, and culture.
E1 Lagos GP 2025: Where, When & What to Expect
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Venue: The event will be staged on Lagos Lagoon, taking advantage of the city’s aquatic splendour. As confirmed by the Lagos State Government in an Immersion Session recently, racers will converge at the LASWA Boat Jetty at Falomo, Ikoyi, before taking off.
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Dates: October 3–5, 2025
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Daily Schedule:
• October 3 — Opening ceremonies, test runs, setup, and an opening gala
• October 4 — Free Practice in the morning, Qualifying in the afternoon, followed by evening showcase activities
• October 5 — Final race(s), podium ceremonies, closing entertainment and activation
Attendees can move between the Fan Villages to catch live audio-visual performances, visit exhibitor booths, explore interactive displays, and enjoy family zones. VIP guests will have access to Club Paddocks, premium viewing, and exclusive lounges.
Political and Transport Significance
This isn’t just about racing. It’s a statement of Lagos’ aspirations. The Lagos State Government’s involvement positions this event as part of its strategic push to modernise water transport infrastructure.
This is way more than a sporting contest; it’s a statement of intent. The Lagos State Government’s partnership reflects efforts to modernise water transport and shape the city’s identity as a waterfront destination.
LASG ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS AHEAD OF OCTOBER ELECTRIC POWERBOAT RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
To facilitate the smooth hosting of the Electric Powerboat Racing Championship E1 Series Event (Africa’s first electric powerboat race) set to take place on Lagos Inland Waterways of… pic.twitter.com/YdCrws1KJu
— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) September 30, 2025
The goal will be similar to what the state witnessed during last year’s Detty December run. Only that this time, it will be on water.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu issued an open invitation, calling the event “a historic moment for Lagos and the continent,” citing that it reflects the city’s drive for innovation, sustainability, and global recognition.
He added:
“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future. It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people.”
By hosting E1 Lagos GP, the state presents a live case study: high-performance electric racing on its own waterways, aligning with its Omi Èkó electrification program and LASWA’s (Lagos State Waterways Authority) development plans.
Culture & Lifestyle: Water as the New Stage
Lagos’ land-based nightlife and social scene have long defined the city. For Lagosians, the idea of parties, concerts, or large-scale events on water had always seemed unrealistic. E1 Lagos GP changes that narrative.
For a city with waterways spanning over 6,354 km² between the Atlantic and the mainland, it is the ideal stage for an aquatic spectacle like this powerboat racing event.
This event will showcase dockside lounges, floating stages, marine-adjacent art installations, and branded waterfront activations. The perfect backdrop!
Also, considering Lagos’ notorious traffic, events on water offer a refreshing escape and spectacle.
Overall, this event marks a deeper cultural shift: sports, entertainment, and sustainability intersecting on water. The lagoon becomes more than a route. It becomes the stage.
Voices and Sponsors Behind E1 Lagos GP
From the 3rd to the 5th of October, for the first time on the African continent, Lagos will host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series.
The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable… pic.twitter.com/nhMLIdY4Yf
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) September 29, 2025
Aside from the major backing from the Lagos State Government, there are other partners supporting this event. These sponsors and several Lagosians share a common feeling: excitement!
FirstBank leads as headline partners. Expressing his excitement, Olayinka Ijabiyi (Acting Group Head, Marketing & Communications) says their involvement symbolises “legacy, enabling passions, and linking sport with national identity.
Other sponsors and partners include Guinness and Singleton, with media reports projecting the event could generate $100 million in economic impact for Lagos.
Social media is littered with various excited posts buzzing about Lagos making history as the first African host of this championship.
Finally, competing teams include those backed by global names — Tom Brady, LeBron James, Didier Drogba, Stevie Aoki, Marc Anthony, and Rafael Nadal — giving the Lagos leg instant global appeal.
