E1 Luanda GP 2026: Luanda hosts the world’s electric powerboat championship for the first time
Luanda, September 12–13, 2026 — Angola is preparing to host a round of the UIM E1 World Championship for the first time. The E1 Luanda GP 2026, taking place on September 12 and 13 in Luanda Bay, represents the fifth round of the 2026 season and marks the championship’s first visit to Southern Africa.
The arrival of E1 in Luanda represents an important milestone for the championship’s global expansion, bringing together high-level sport, technological innovation and a commitment to protecting aquatic ecosystems. The championship’s RaceBird boats are fully electric, introducing a new generation of sustainable powerboat racing.
Luanda takes centre stage
Following rounds in Jeddah, Lake Como, Dubrovnik and Monaco, the championship now arrives in Luanda before continuing to Miami later in the season.
The event will take place at the Luanda Yacht Club, with qualifying scheduled for September 12 and race day on September 13.
Beyond the sporting competition, the event provides a major opportunity to showcase Luanda and Angola as a destination for tourism, sport and international events. The Provincial Government of Luanda has highlighted the race’s potential to promote Luanda Bay and strengthen Angola’s international tourism profile.
Sport, tourism and innovation
The E1 Luanda GP goes beyond the sporting arena, bringing together tourism, innovation, sustainability and international destination promotion.
The event also features Westbrook Racing by Visit Angola, the team associated with the international promotion of Angola as a destination. Ahead of the Luanda race, the team was among the leading contenders in the championship standings, further increasing Angola’s visibility on the global stage.
Sustainability is another key component of the Luanda round. As part of E1’s environmental initiatives, the championship is partnering with Otchiva, an Angolan organisation dedicated to mangrove restoration, while E1 pilots are also expected to take part in a reforestation initiative on Mussulo Island.
A new international platform for Angola
By hosting E1 for the first time, Luanda joins an international calendar featuring some of the world’s most renowned destinations.
The event provides Angola with a powerful platform to showcase its tourism potential, capacity to host major international events, and growing ambition in innovation and sustainable development.
On September 12 and 13, the waters of Luanda will take centre stage, bringing together the excitement of international sport, electric technology and a new vision for Angola’s presence on the global stage.
[Photo credits: Tom Carlos; Ministry of Tourism – Government of Angola]
