Africa Eco Race 2026: the spirit of Dakar, reinvented

Motorcyclists are the true custodians of Africa’s rally-raid spirit. Alone against the continent’s most unforgiving terrain, they navigate by roadbook, battle physical extremes, and manage their machines without assistance. It is this raw, uncompromising challenge that defines the Africa Eco Race (January 25 – February 7, 2026).

Founded in 2008 by three legends of cross-country rallying, Jean-Louis Schlesser, Hubert Auriol, and René Metge, the Africa Eco Race was created to preserve the soul of the great African rallies. Linking Monaco to Dakar, the event retraces the historic path from Europe to Africa, crossing spectacular and demanding landscapes before reaching the mythical shores of Lac Rose.

Africa remains the cradle of rally-raid, and the Africa Eco Race embodies its core values: authenticity, solidarity, self-transcendence, and human adventure.

A rally for true adventurers

True to its philosophy, the Africa Eco Race continues to evolve while remaining accessible to passionate riders. By adapting its regulations, the organisation ensures that the dream of reaching Dakar remains open to all who dare to follow in the footsteps of Thierry Sabine.

The 2025 edition delivered an extraordinary challenge: over 6,000 kilometres in 13 days, crossing Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. Twelve intense stages took competitors through endless dunes, rocky pistes, and vast African plains. Each kilometre tested endurance and skill, forging memories that last a lifetime.

Motorcycles were more numerous than ever, confirming the growing enthusiasm for the category. The Historic class, introduced the previous year, also proved a major success. This “race within the race,” focused on regularity and strategy, attracted classic rally machines and riders drawn to a more tactical and technical challenge.

A standout highlight of the 2025 route was the introduction of a genuine special stage deep in the Senegalese bush, a first for the event, adding an extra layer of authenticity and adventure.

2026: electric motorcycles enter a new era

The 2026 Africa Eco Race marks a major milestone with the inclusion of electric motorcycles in the World Rally-Raid Cup.

As explained by Willy Jobard:

“I will be participating (with the H40 prototype of JINYUXING) in the first round of the World Rally-Raid Cup for electric motorcycles during the 2026 Africa Eco Race. Unlike the Dakar Rally’s Mission 1000, which is limited to a 100-kilometre special stage, electric motorcycles in the Africa Eco Race will compete on the same special stages as combustion-engine bikes, between 300 and 500 kilometres per day. Battery swap points will be set up every 100 kilometres using dedicated pickup trucks.”

Electric motorcycles will be included in the overall motorcycle classification, alongside a dedicated electric category. Two manufacturers are already confirmed for the start line:

• JINYUXING – H40 prototype
• VELIMOTOR – Havocker

Electric Motorcycle Class – Confirmed riders

• Cyril Forget
  Jinyuxing H40 Electric Rally
  CFR Endurance
• Maarten Buitenhuis
  Velimotor Havocker Electric (with prototype frame and engine)
  Team Powersportcenter.nl
• Willy Jobard
  Jinyuxing H40 Electric Rally
  Team Powersportcenter.nl

The adventure continues

Far from artificial spectacle and close to rally-raid legend, the Africa Eco Race remains one of the last true adventures in motorsport. In 2026, as combustion and electric motorcycles share the same unforgiving terrain, the event once again proves that the future of rally-raid can evolve without losing its soul.

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All pictures © Africa Eco Race