LeBron James has been in Luanda since Friday for what is his first visit to the African continent. The American star's presence in the Angolan capital is linked to the E1 World Championship electric boat race, scheduled for Sunday, April 13, an initiative that combines sport, technology, sustainability, business, and tourism.
Before entering competition, LeBron James participated in a working breakfast with Angolan business leaders, hosted by Tourism Minister Márcio Daniel. The meeting brought together representatives from different sectors of the national economy, including names such as Alejandro Agag (E1), Agostinho Kapaia (Grupo OPAIA), Diogo Caldas (Refriango), Nelson Carrinho (Grupo Carrinho), Isabel Espírito Santo (Banco Millennium Atlântico), and Mário Mota Lemos (CEO of ENSA), among others.
The championship features ten teams associated with global celebrities. Westbrook Racing by Visit Angola is backed by actor Will Smith, while LeBron James's team, AlUla, is piloted by Nerea Martí and Rusty Wyatt. Other teams include Aoki Racing Team (Steve Aoki), Brady (Tom Brady), Rafa (Rafael Nadal), Drogba Global Africa (Didier Drogba), and Blue Rising (Virat Kohli).
The race is supported by major Angolan business groups such as OPAIA, Grupo Carrinho, and Refriango. Angolan authorities view the presence of these international personalities as a strategic opportunity to position Luanda and the country at the center of global attention, associating Angola's image with innovation, sustainability, and the blue economy.
