Lagos, Nigeria – July 20, 2025
In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable innovation, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced that the bustling coastal city will host Africa’s first electric boat race in October 2025. The event, revealed during a recent press conference, positions Lagos as a pioneer in eco-friendly marine technology and aims to boost tourism while showcasing the potential of electric watercraft on the continent.
A Leap Toward Sustainability
The electric boat race aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, drawing inspiration from initiatives like the E1 Series, an international electric boat racing championship that uses zero-emission vessels. According to a 2023 study published in Nature Sustainability, electric watercraft can cut CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional fossil-fuel-powered boats, making this a significant step toward combating climate change in Nigeria’s lagoon-rich environment. The event will feature cutting-edge boats, such as the Candela C-8 Polestar Edition, which recently made history by crossing the Mediterranean Sea, highlighting the technology’s reliability and efficiency.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the race’s potential to transform Lagos into a hub for green innovation. “This is more than a race; it’s a statement of our commitment to a sustainable future,” he said, gesturing toward a sleek electric boat model during the announcement. The event is expected to attract international participants and spectators, promising an economic boost through tourism and related industries.
Building on Lagos’ Waterway Legacy
Lagos, with its 17% lagoon and waterway coverage—including the Lagos Lagoon and Badagry Creeks—has long relied on water transportation, managed by the Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA) since its establishment in 2008. The authority has worked to enhance navigation and safety, but the region faces persistent challenges. Annual boat mishaps, with over 50 incidents reported in 2022 alone, and coastline pollution—exacerbated by an estimated 2,250 tonnes of daily plastic waste, per a 2021 Phys.org report—have raised concerns among locals.
The electric boat race aims to address some of these issues by promoting cleaner technology. Collaboration with organizations like the Lagos Waste Management Authority and environmental NGOs is underway to clean up the waterways, with monthly beach cleanups gaining traction. However, critics argue that resources might be better directed toward improving safety and infrastructure before hosting such an ambitious event.
Economic Potential and Public Reaction
The race could generate significant revenue, with tourism experts estimating millions of naira from visitor spending and related ventures, such as recycled plastic initiatives that have proven lucrative elsewhere. Social media reactions on X have been mixed. Enthusiasts like @ObaOfVibes hailed it as “innovation meets the lagoon,” while skeptics, including @TVNDEY, questioned the timing, noting, “Fix your water transport safety issues first… Electric boats sound futuristic, but let’s not pretend we’re Silicon Valley when the basics still look like 1992.”
Supporters, however, see it as a chance to shift Nigeria’s narrative. @markvin77684707 tweeted, “This could invite tourists and generate income… a working Nigeria we’re all wanting.” The event’s success may hinge on addressing these concerns, with LASWA promising enhanced safety protocols and infrastructure upgrades ahead of October.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, execution remains a hurdle. The region’s unstable electricity grid and ongoing fuel crises pose logistical challenges for charging and maintaining electric boats. Additionally, the high cost of the technology—estimated at $200,000 per vessel—raises questions about long-term feasibility without substantial investment or subsidies.
As Lagos prepares for this historic race, all eyes will be on Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration to deliver on its vision. If successful, the event could set a precedent for other African cities, blending tradition with innovation on the continent’s waterways. For now, the countdown to October 2025 has begun, with hope and skepticism fueling the conversation.
