E1 Racing’s Groundbreaking Event Set To Catalyze Innovation And Sustainability Across Africa

In a bold move to expand its global presence, the UIM E1 World Championship Presented by PIF (E1) series has selected Lagos, Nigeria, as the first African city to host a race. This decision marks a significant milestone for both the sport and the continent. Lagos, known for its vibrant culture, growing tech landscape, and dynamic economic growth, provides a unique backdrop that exemplifies Africa’s rising influence on the world stage, particularly in sustainability and innovation.

Lagos is characterised by its energetic pulse and entrepreneurial spirit, thriving on change and progress. It is a city where industries and ideas come together, and the demand for sustainable solutions is becoming increasingly essential. The city’s coastal location, situated along the Atlantic Ocean, serves as an ideal setting for this cutting-edge electric racing series. More than just a race, this event represents a shift in the global conversation, recognising Africa’s crucial role in shaping the future of clean technologies and sustainable innovation.

In an exclusive interview with Forbes.com, Rodi Basso shared insights on why Lagos was chosen for the race, the preparations involved, the potential to boost local tourism and economic growth, and how the event can empower the youth.

The Motivation Behind Choosing Lagos

When asked about the motivations behind selecting Lagos for the race which is to be held over the weekend of October 4th to 5th, Basso was quick to share his enthusiasm for the decision, highlighting several key factors that influenced it.

“We’ve always wanted to ensure representation from every continent in our calendar,” Basso explained. “As we expand in season two, we’ve already incorporated two new continents. But Africa was always the next logical step. It has immense potential, and it felt like the right moment to enter.”

For Basso, the decision was not only about logistics or timing; it was also about the people. Through conversations with influential figures such as Didier Drogba, founder and owner of Team Drogba, and Gabrielle Lemaire, vice-president of the Didier Drogba Foundation, he gained a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics across the continent.

Basso reflected, “I’ve had the chance to engage with leaders like Didier and Gabrielle, who provided valuable insights into the momentum building in Africa.” He emphasised the importance of these interactions, demonstrating both conviction and curiosity.

“What I’m seeing is a continent that’s not just on the cusp of growth, but actively embracing change, ready to challenge norms and set new standards,” he continued. “That’s why Lagos felt like the right city for us to make our mark.”

Overcoming Challenges: E1’s Approach to Racing in Lagos

As excitement grows surrounding E1’s debut in Africa, Basso acknowledges that hosting a race in unfamiliar territory presents its own set of challenges. “The reality is, we’ve never raced in Lagos. It’s a completely new market for us,” he admits. However, he remains undeterred; in fact, the unknown seems to invigorate him. “With that comes the usual set of challenges: logistical hurdles, understanding the local culture, and finding the right partners to make it happen,” he continues. “But we’re not discouraged. In fact, it’s exactly what makes this exciting.”

The team’s strategy for overcoming these challenges is based on collaboration, particularly with local authorities and stakeholders. Basso’s face lights up as he reflects on his discussions with government officials: “When I first met with the local government, their response was so positive that it honestly blew me away,” he shares. “They said, ‘It’s going to be tough, but we will make it happen together.’ The level of support we’ve received has been amazing. It’s all about teamwork. There’s a shared belief that this race is going to be a game-changer.”

This is where strong local partnerships, such as those with Afreximbank and Team Drogba, become crucial. “It’s not just about our team’s efforts. We’ve partnered with incredible local leaders like Gabrielle and Didier, who are ensuring that the race not only goes off without a hitch but also leaves a lasting impact,” Basso adds.

E1 Racing’s Economic Impact: Driving Tourism and Local Growth

One of the most exciting aspects of E1’s entry into Lagos is its potential economic impact. Basso acknowledges that while the sport is still in its early stages, the signs are already promising. “Even though we’re still building our platform, the numbers we’ve seen are incredibly encouraging. Our races are broadcast globally, reaching a vast audience,” he says. “We’re talking about millions of viewers tuning in from every corner of the world. The exposure that Lagos will receive is something no one could have predicted.”

The global reach of the race is undeniable. According to Basso, the viewership alone could significantly benefit Lagos’ tourism industry. “Through our partners, we’re reaching over 1.1 billion people just on social media. That’s a staggering figure. We’re broadcasting live to all these countries, and people are tuning in to watch a race right in the heart of Lagos.”

However, the true value of the event lies not only in its digital reach but also in the direct influx of international visitors. Basso explains that the race weekend is expected to generate substantial local revenue: “We’ve conducted a third-party analysis, and in terms of economic impact, we’re looking at approximately 20 million euros. This is because we’re attracting fans, teams, and media from all over the world. Additionally, there’s the lasting effect of showcasing Lagos as a premier destination for global events in the future.”

The race’s proximity to Lagos’ coastline also makes it more appealing to tourists. “We’ve designed the event so that people can experience the race up close, right on the coastline. This makes it even more attractive to families and tourists, and we anticipate it will create a buzz that will ripple through the local economy,” Basso says, his optimism palpable.

A Vision for Innovation and Local Empowerment

While the excitement surrounding the race is infectious, Basso is also focused on the long-term impact that E1 can have on Lagos and the broader African continent. He emphasises that E1 is more than just a race; it is a platform for innovation and collaboration, particularly in technology.

“As an engineer, I see our race boats as more than just high-speed machines. They are technology platforms. We are providing an opportunity for innovators to showcase their work on a global stage,” Basso explains. “We are already in discussions with global partners who want to test their innovations on our boats. It is exciting to see the potential for these technologies to solve real-world challenges.”

According to Basso, the goal is to use E1’s platform to foster collaboration with local universities and startups. “We would like to engage with local universities and clean-tech startups. It’s about creating opportunities for them to showcase their work to the world,” he shares.

However, Basso’s vision goes beyond merely creating a tech showcase. He wants to provide a real, tangible platform for local entrepreneurs. “We are offering local startups the chance to present their innovations to an international audience. Many of our partners are C-level executives from global companies and finance. This could be the exposure they need to take their businesses to the next level,” he says.

Through these partnerships, E1 hopes to inspire the next generation of African innovators, demonstrating that they can have a global impact starting from their local communities. “It’s about providing opportunities. If we can help spark the next big idea, the next African unicorn, that would be an incredible legacy,” Basso concludes.

A Lasting Legacy

E1’s groundbreaking move into Lagos is more than just a race; it is a powerful declaration that Africa is no longer an afterthought in global conversations. The continent is driving the future. By bringing this premier event to Lagos, E1 is positioning Africa as a critical force in the evolution of sustainability, innovation, and technological advancement.

In a world racing toward change, Africa is not a passenger; it is the driver. The future is being written here and now. Africa will not be left behind but will instead be at the forefront, setting the pace for the world to follow.

As Basso reflects, the true measure of success lies in the ability to inspire. “We want to inspire the next generation,” he shares. “We believe in protecting our water for the future and providing opportunities for kids from school to university to connect with this movement. If we can ignite enthusiasm in just a few young minds, showing them that sustainability is not only essential but also cool, that’s success for the sport.”

This race isn’t just an event; it’s a catalyst for change a platform where the next generation understands that making a difference is not just achievable; it’s the ultimate goal. Ultimately, E1’s legacy in Africa will be defined by its ability to inspire youth to embrace a brighter future, leading with purpose, passion, and sustainability.