How Didier Drogba And Gabrielle Lemaire Are Using E1 To Spark Africa's Next Generation

Forbes

31-05-2025

When Lagos was announced as the first African city to host the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF, it generated a surge of excitement across the continent, and for good reason. Now, just four months away from race weekend, that excitement is evolving into something tangible and powerful: a bold statement positioning Africa at the forefront of global sustainability, innovation, and economic opportunity. This October, the Lagos Lagoon will roar with the world's first all-electric raceboats, ushering in a new era of electrified marine technology and placing Africa firmly on the map for cutting-edge, green motorsport.
Driving this groundbreaking moment are two visionary leaders: Didier Drogba, the Chelsea and African football legend whose impressive accolades include a UEFA Champions League title, four Premier League crowns, and two African Footballer of the Year awards; and Gabrielle Lemaire, a pioneering entrepreneur, CEO of Barons Agence Conseil En Communication, and Vice President of the Didier Drogba Foundation. Their partnership has been instrumental in bringing the race to African shores, fuelling a movement that promises to inspire a generation and reshape the continent's future.
In an exclusive interview with Forbes.com, Didier Drogba and Gabrielle Lemaire shared insights into their vision for the race, the impact they hope it will have across Africa, and how this event signifies a turning point for sustainability and innovation on the continent.
When asked about their venture into electric boat racing and co-ownership of Team Drogba, Drogba shared a perspective rooted in a deep awareness of global climate challenges. He explained that their decision was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to sustainability while combining sport and innovation.
'First of all, what inspired us is that we live in a world now aware of climate issues, and there are many ways to contribute,' Drogba said. For him, E1 provides a unique platform to raise awareness through competitive sports. Beyond the race, Drogba values collaborating with other high-profile co-owners, merging sport, technology, and shared responsibility.
He emphasised the importance of joining a pioneering project with long-term potential to benefit Africa and the world. As a global citizen, Drogba sees Team Drogba as more than a racing team: 'It was important for me to be part of this project, to spread information about sustainability and raise awareness about Africa's climate issues.'
He highlighted tangible challenges like coastal erosion and environmental degradation affecting many African countries. 'We have coastal problems in many countries due to climate change.' By combining excitement with serious environmental messaging, Drogba believes that E1 is an ideal platform to promote sustainability to diverse audiences.
This vision embodies Team Drogba's commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and global cooperation, with a special focus on Africa's challenges and opportunities in sustainable development.
The arrival of the E1 on African waters marks a significant milestone for both the sport and the continent's growing role in global sustainability. For Lemaire, the Vice President of the Drogba Foundation and co-owner of Team Drogba and advocate for gender equality and social development, the Lagos debut holds deep personal and symbolic meaning.
'I'm honoured and happy as a woman to be co-owner of this team,' Lemaire said, noting she is currently the only female co-owner in the series, highlighting the importance of gender representation. 'We have a foundation with three main pillars, education, health, and sustainability, but women are at the centre of our programs. So yes, I'm thrilled.'
Lagos, Nigeria's vibrant commercial and cultural hub, was chosen to launch the African leg of E1 after collaboration with partners including the African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) impact investment platform FEDA, Lilium Capital Group, and the Drogba Foundation. This consortium plays a critical role in promoting the race across the continent.
'Lagos is a special place in Africa. Although we are from Ivory Coast, after discussions with partners, we agreed Lagos was the ideal launch site,' Lemaire explained. The city's energy, connectivity, and creativity make it a natural fit for this forward-thinking event, while Nigerians' enthusiasm for sustainable sports initiatives further confirmed the choice. Lemaire also shared plans to expand the E1 to other locations such as Ivory Coast and the Bahamas, reflecting growing momentum for green technology and environmental awareness across regions. 'We have many ideas for future races in Africa.'
Team Drogba's leadership blends strong ties to Africa's economic and development sectors. Dr Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank; Simon Tiemtoré, Chairman and CEO of Lilium Capital Group and co-owner; and Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA and co-owner through FEDA, bring expertise and resources to ensure lasting impact beyond the races.
Together, this consortium aims not only to deliver thrilling, sustainable sport but also to leverage the platform to drive investment, innovation, and awareness of Africa's climate challenges, positioning Lagos and the continent as hubs for sustainable sport and environmental advocacy.
When asked about the impact of E1 on Africa, Drogba speaks with the insight of someone who understands the continent's cultural richness and sport's power to inspire change. For him, the fusion of sports, education, and culture creates a catalyst for progress.
'Lagos is the city of culture,' Drogba notes, highlighting its status as a creative hub with celebrated artists, Grammy winners, and a vibrant event calendar. This cultural energy, combined with strong political support, particularly from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is vital for the event's success. 'We're pleased to have the governor's support, opening his arms and hosting us. For us to have an impact, this event must succeed. All eyes will be on Lagos.'
The global spotlight will also shine on Lagos, amplified by influential sports and entertainment figures co-owning teams in the championship. Drogba says, 'Can you imagine having Tom Brady, Will Smith, or LeBron James in Lagos? When you talk about impact, there's nothing better than that.' Their involvement signals global collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Drogba's vision is clear: by combining sport's universal appeal with cultural richness and influential ambassadors, E1 can spark investment, inspire communities, and drive dialogue on sustainability across Africa and beyond. 'Having these influential figures there,' Drogba says, 'is the best image and impact E1 can have on Africa and the world.'
As Lagos prepares to host this groundbreaking event, the convergence of sport, culture, and environmental advocacy promises a new chapter where innovation meets tradition and global attention focuses on Africa's leadership in sustainable development.
Drogba is candid when discussing Africa's historical exclusion from major global sports and cultural events. This absence, he suggests, is not just a missed opportunity for the continent but a factor that perpetuates broader economic and social challenges. Reflecting on the fact that Africa has hosted only one FIFA World Cup in its entire history, he underscores the urgency for change.
'We've always been left aside when it comes to big events, big sports events,' Drogba remarks. 'Do you know how many World Cups there have been in history, but we've only organised it once? You know, how many European Championships? We never organise those, even though they can take some events from France, England, Saudi Arabia, America, and Asia, but it never really happens in Africa. So, for us, it's a must.'
This exclusion is about more than just prestige; it touches on the very livelihood of millions. Africa faces ongoing challenges with youth unemployment and migration, issues that global attention and investment in the right places could begin to address. Drogba highlights the transformative potential that a high-profile event like E1 could have on the continent.
'When you bring this attention to the continent, and you create jobs, by organising such great events, you create an economy,' he explains. 'Youth will begin to think, hold on, I have an opportunity here. Why should I leave to reach my dreams?'
This vision challenges long-standing patterns and invites the continent to step confidently into a global spotlight where innovation meets opportunity, helping to shape not just the future of mobility, but also the future of African youth and economies.
Lemaire shares a deep passion for connecting the Foundation's mission with the sustainability goals championed by E1. While education and health have long been pillars of their work, sustainability is a newer, but increasingly vital, focus for the Foundation.
'For the past few months, we have been actively developing the sustainability pillar. This is incredibly important for us as Africans because, internationally, Africa often lacks the tools to negotiate effectively on these issues. Our goal is to raise awareness among the youth so they understand the importance of sustainability and can lead the charge for the continent.'
This commitment is not about quick wins. Lemaire emphasises that their approach to sustainability is a long-term project that aligns perfectly with E1's mission. 'It won't be something accomplished in just one or two races, it's a sustained effort. That's why E1 is such an amazing platform for us. We plan to use it extensively to raise awareness not only in Ivory Coast and Africa but for young people globally. But honestly, Africa remains the greatest challenge and priority for us.'
The decision to bring E1 to Africa was deliberate and strategic. Lemaire recalls their early conversations with key E1 figures Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso, which inspired both her and Drogba to become co-owners of Team Drogba.
Adding a personal and culturally resonant touch to the initiative, Lemaire shares a lighthearted anecdote about Drogba's recent conversation with Nigerian superstar Burna Boy. 'Didier told him, 'I'm going to Lagos, your country, and you need to be there. Maybe you could even join the team one day.' We have many ideas and exciting plans ahead.'
For Drogba, the impact goes beyond the race itself. 'When you succeed somewhere, for me, success means sharing knowledge and helping others succeed as well,' he says. 'If I can open the door for another African to have their own team in E1, that is a true legacy. That is what matters.'
This shared vision between the Foundation and E1 reflects a broader narrative of African empowerment through sustainable innovation and global partnership, one that promises to inspire generations and reshape Africa's future on the world stage.
When it comes to shaping the future of environmentally conscious sports and entrepreneurship, Drogba believes Africa has both the depth and the determination to lead the way. But to understand its potential, he says, we must first reframe how the world views the continent.
'Africa isn't just a place of conflict or struggle,' Drogba explains. 'Too often, we highlight only the challenges, wars, famine, and instability, but we forget to talk about our Nobel Prize winners like Dr. Denis Mukwege, and icons like Nelson Mandela. Africa is home to brilliant minds, incredible resilience, and unmatched beauty. That's what we want to put forward.'
This vision isn't about glossing over the continent's difficulties. Rather, it's about showing that Africa's narrative is not one-dimensional. 'Yes, we face challenges,' he acknowledges, 'but we also have bright people who are ready to face them head-on, and we'll never stop. That's how we inspire, that's how we educate the next generation, and that's how we ensure they're ready to lead Africa to an even greater future.'
For Lemaire, this belief is rooted in experience. She and Drogba have lived in global cities, Paris, London, and New York, but Africa remains their anchor. 'Africa is the future in so many ways,' she says. 'There are so many entrepreneurs, people who are resourceful, creative, determined. Everyone's doing something. The drive is there. What they often need is just a small push, a spark, to set it all in motion.'
That's where events like E1, and the visibility they bring, become so powerful. Lemaire sees every event, every conversation, and every engagement with the youth as a chance to ignite something meaningful. Drogba agrees that the real power lies in representation. 'When young people see Lemaire when they see me out there, it plants a seed. It tells them: 'One day, I can be there too.' That's our mission. It's not about being special, it's about showing that there's opportunity, and if you have the will, you can make it happen.'
He adds that their work goes far beyond competition or performance. 'For us, it's not about whether we win or lose the race. It's about the impact. And that's why we're proud of what E1 has already done. It's still early, but the direction is right. We're not just racing, we're opening doors, creating tools, and helping young Africans believe in their potential.'