Tanzania has officially opened East Africa’s longest bridge, a remarkable 3.2-kilometer structure that spans Lake Victoria in the northwestern Mwanza region. Named the Magufuli Bridge in honor of the late President John Magufuli, this £240 million ($300 million) project marks a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure development.
Connecting the Misungwi and Sengerema districts, the bridge was constructed by Chinese firms China Civil Engineering Construction Group and China Railway. Notably, the Tanzanian government fully funded the project, which began in December 2019 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the only extra-dosed cable-stayed bridge in the Lake Victoria region, the Magufuli Bridge ranks among Africa’s top ten longest bridges. It plays a crucial role in enhancing transportation links between Tanzania and its neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.
Construction was officially completed on October 6, 2023, with the pouring of the final cement tank. Initially named the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, it was renamed to honor Magufuli, who initiated the project before his passing in 2021.
This infrastructure development significantly improves regional connectivity in East Africa, paving the way for enhanced trade and travel.
You Might Be Interested In:
