UN Tourism applauds Lagos for hosting Africa’s first-ever E1 race
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism, has commended the Lagos State Government for positioning the city among the world’s elite destinations to host the E1 Series, the world’s first electric powerboat championship.
The landmark event, which was held from October 3–5, 2025, at the Black Diamond Hotel on Victoria Island, brought together E1 sports teams, business leaders, state officials, and global sporting icons for a thrilling weekend that marked the series’ debut on African waters.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Pololikashvili expressed pride in Africa’s growing presence on the global sports stage. “I am beyond proud to see Lagos and Nigeria host this historic event. From its announcement in Monaco earlier this year to witnessing it come to life here in Lagos is truly remarkable,” he said.
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He joined Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State and Didier Drogba, a sporting legend, at the event, praising the city’s strategic step in using sport as a vehicle to promote tourism and innovation.
“This is a major milestone for Lagos and for Africa; a step forward in advancing marine innovation and unlocking tourism opportunities through global sport,” he added.
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, echoed Pololikashvili’s sentiment, underscoring the event’s role in elevating the nation’s profile on the global tourism map.
“We have witnessed history unfold here in Lagos. The E1 Electric Powerboat Race not only marks Africa’s debut on this remarkable platform but also signals Nigeria’s readiness to lead in sustainable tourism, innovation, and the blue economy. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are demonstrating how sport can ignite global attention, investment, and pride in our creative and tourism sectors,” she said.
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The UN Tourism chief also paid tribute to Alejandro Agag, founder and chairman of the E1 Series, for his vision and commitment to Africa. He highlighted Agag’s understanding of how sport and tourism can work hand in hand to create economic opportunities and inspire sustainable growth.
Earlier this year, UN Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the E1 Series in Monaco, recognised as a global hub for sustainable marine mobility. The partnership underscores their shared commitment to promoting clean marine transport technologies and fostering sustainable sports tourism development worldwide.
