Will Smith champions Angola's electric boat racing and sustainable tourism push
Hollywood actor Will Smith recently visited Angola to support the country's push into electric boat racing. His trip aimed to highlight marine transport decarbonisation while promoting Angola's growing role in nautical sports. During his stay, Smith met with senior officials and explored opportunities for future collaborations.
Smith arrived in Luanda, where he was welcomed by Vice-Governor Márcio Daniel and Jorge Miguéns. The visit included discussions on Angola's participation in the E1 World Electric Boat Championship, marking the nation's debut in the event and only the second African circuit in the series. The championship seeks to advance sustainability while positioning Angola as a destination for tourism and innovation in water sports.
The actor also met President João Lourenço at the Presidential Palace. Their talks focused on potential projects involving local creators, though no specific agreements were announced. Smith, a known admirer of Angolan music, previously expressed his fondness for folk and semba artist Bonga. Angola's natural beauty played a key role in the visit's backdrop. The country boasts 1,650 km of Atlantic coastline, along with landmarks like Kalandula Falls and the striking Miradouro da Lua. Its national parks, including Iona and Kissama, further highlight its ecological diversity. Leisure tourism in Angola had already seen a 20% rise in 2025, reflecting growing interest in its attractions.
The trip underscored Angola's ambitions in sustainable tourism and nautical events. While no immediate economic or environmental impacts from the E1 Championship have been reported, the country's involvement signals a step toward global recognition in these fields. Officials and organisers will likely monitor long-term effects on local tourism and innovation.
