More investment in Africa’s only electric boat racing team
Team promotes Africa’s profile in the blue economy
RWANDA: The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the development impact investment arm of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced a strategic investment in Team Drogba, competing in the inaugural E1 Series, the world’s first-ever all-electric boat racing championship.
Co-owned by African football icon, Didier Drogba and Lilium Capital Group, Team Drogba’s participation in the E1 series is aimed at, not only raising Africa’s profile on the global sporting stage, but also supporting the growth of Africa's blue economy.
The Team’s participation in the competition will help highlight sustainability and marine ecosystem restoration and general environmental awareness.
Through this collaboration, FEDA and Team Drogba aim to inspire innovation and sustainability in Africa's sports industry, fostering economic growth and development across the continent. The partnership reflects FEDA’s commitment to empowering African athletes, promoting technological advancements, and supporting climate adaptation solutions, all while contributing to Africa’s global competitiveness.
“This collaboration with FEDA and Afreximbank ushers in an exciting chapter for African sports and sustainability efforts. The E1 Series is an opportunity to merge our collective dedication to sport with a commitment to the environment and African progress. Together, we are setting a foundation for innovative and sustainable growth that will inspire change across the continent,” says Didier Drogba.
Racing in the inaugural E1 World Championship, teams are required to use using identical RaceBird boats for the first two seasons of the Championship. In future seasons, teams will be permitted to develop their own technologies.
The RaceBird, which soars above the water’s surface on advanced hydrofoil technology, evolved from the concepts of Norwegian designer Sophi Horne, with Rodi Basso, founder and CEO of E1 Series, and naval architect Brunello Acampora playing a pivotal role in transforming the designs into reality.
Each team consists of two pilots to share driving duties and are mandated to select a mixed gender pilot line-up to ensure equal opportunities in the sport.
PHOTO SOURCE: Team Drogba Facebook page
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