The world’s first all-electric raceboat championship makes its Southern Africa debut this weekend, as Luanda Bay hosts the E1 Luanda GP on September 12 and 13. Angola becomes the second African stop on the UIM E1 World Championship calendar after Lagos – and at the pre-race press interaction, championship founder Alejandro Agag told Africa24 the continent’s place in electric racing is only set to grow.
The futuristic RaceBirds have arrived on Luanda Bay. This weekend, Angola’s capital hosts the fifth round of the 2026 UIM E1 World Championship – the first all-electric raceboat series – joining a calendar that counts Jeddah, Lake Como, Monaco and Miami among its host cities. It is the championship’s first race in Southern Africa, and its second on the continent after Lagos. At the pre-race press interaction, Africa24 asked E1 Founder and Chairman Alejandro Agag whether more African cities can expect a place on the calendar.
“We believe that, for any global sport, it is essential to have a presence in Africa. We would like to always have at least two races in Africa. Then, for next year’s competition, we will of course discuss with other capitals, including the possibility of returning to Lagos, but also with other capitals that would like to host the race in Africa.”
Alejandro Agag, Founder & Chairman – E1 – UIM E1 World Championship
Founded by Agag – the man behind Formula E and Extreme E – the series pairs cutting-edge electric marine technology with star power: its teams are owned by global figures including Will Smith, Tom Brady, LeBron James, Rafael Nadal and Didier Drogba. Will Smith’s Westbrook Racing outfit carries the Visit Angola brand this season, part of Luanda’s push to position itself as a destination for tourism and sustainable innovation. Each team fields a male and a female pilot – and for Team Brady’s Emma Kimiläinen, who spoke to Africa24 ahead of the race, the debut on Angolan waters carries special significance.
“The race is very tight and highly competitive at the moment. Our team, with Brady, is leading the championship by nine points. We still have three races to go, and Luanda is one of them. The pressure is very high. Several teams have shown great speed this season, and the racing is tough. Everyone has to perform at their very best. The water looks very flat. The conditions seem stable, which is ideal for these races. I think everyone is looking forward to racing here in Luanda.”
Emma Kimiläinen, Pilot, Team Brady UIM E1 World Championship – [SOT – TRANSCRIPTION TBC:
When the RaceBirds fly across Luanda Bay this weekend, the prize will be more than championship points. For Angola, the E1 Luanda GP is a statement of intent – a capital city putting itself on the map of global electric sport, and a continent claiming a growing place in the future of racing on water.
