Lagos is set to host the E1 Grand Prix, a groundbreaking electric powerboat race that will combine sport, culture, and innovation. With headline sponsorship from leading global brands Guinness and Singleton Whiskey, the E1 Lagos GP, scheduled for 3–5 October 2025, is shaping up to be both a sporting milestone and an economic catalyst for Nigeria’s commercial capital.
A statement from the promoters on Saturday stated that the E1 Grand Prix, the world’s first electric powerboat championship, will bring the planet’s fastest electric boats to Lagos waters. The event places the city alongside international host destinations such as Monaco, Venice, and Jeddah, while also giving Lagos the chance to carve its own identity as Africa’s aquatic capital.
Guinness and Singleton are not only sponsoring but also curating immersive experiences that will fuse Nigerian culture with global entertainment, turning the three-day spectacle into a celebration of music, fashion, and creativity.
‘For us at Guinness, Lagos is more than a city; it’s the heartbeat of African creativity, energy, and resilience’, said Marketing and Innovation Director at Guinness Nigeria, Yinka Bakare. ‘Sponsoring the first E1 race in Africa is our way of showcasing Lagos’s global potential while creating unforgettable cultural experiences that put Nigeria on the world stage’.
The Lagos State Government projects more than $100 million in total revenue from the event. Between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators are expected during race week, including over 250 international participants such as athletes, teams, and VIPs.
With international visitors anticipated to spend $150–250 daily, tourism receipts during peak days alone could reach $15 million, not including earnings from sponsorships, media rights, and vendor contracts. Hotels in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, and Ikeja are already reporting a surge in bookings, highlighting a ripple effect across the hospitality, transport, food, and entertainment industries.
Beyond headline figures, the event is also expected to generate employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in logistics, marine services, event production, fashion, and nightlife.
The E1 Lagos GP aligns with Lagos State’s long-term vision to develop a sustainable blue economy. By promoting electric propulsion and clean water sports, the event underscores the state’s commitment to balancing growth with environmental sustainability.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, described the Grand Prix as a defining moment. ‘The forthcoming E1 Lagos GP is more than a sporting spectacle; it is another bold step in putting Lagos on the global map.
‘It aligns seamlessly with our sustainability goals while showcasing the city’s capacity to host world-class events. With the unwavering support of LASWA, LAWMA, the Marine Police, the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigeria Police Force, we are confident of delivering a safe and successful experience. Governor Sanwo-Olu remains resolute in ensuring this event becomes a lasting tourism asset’.
At the heart of the sponsorships, Guinness and Singleton aim to elevate the race into a lifestyle movement. Through curated activities blending Nigerian traditions with world-class entertainment, the brands will ensure the Lagos GP is remembered as much for its cultural showcase as for its thrilling boat races.
Singleton will pair fine whiskey experiences with curated luxury events, while Guinness is expected to deliver energetic live music, art showcases, and nightlife activities that spotlight Lagos as Africa’s cultural heartbeat.
By joining the roster of cities hosting E1 races, Lagos positions itself as not only an economic powerhouse but also a global destination for innovation-driven sports. Unlike traditional motorsports, the E1 series champions sustainability, making it an ideal fit for Lagos’s urban future.
As electric boats glide across the Lagos Lagoon this October, the world will be watching. For Lagos, the message will be unmistakable: it is no longer just participating in global sporting culture — it is setting the pace as Africa’s aquatic capital.
