Tanzania will officially open the John Magufuli Bridge later this month, constructed by a joint venture between China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Railway 15th Bureau
Built at a cost of around US$260mn, and fully financed by the Tanzanian government, the 3.2 km bridge connects the towns of Busisi and Kigongo, spanning the Mwanza Gulf on the southern shores of Lake Victoria.
The bridge opens up a raft of transport possibilities in the area, in Tanzania’s north west, slashing travel times significantly from hours down to just a few minutes.
Prior to its construction, travel depended on an ageing ferry system, adding up to three hours journey time for motorists.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is due to attend the formal opening of what will be the longest bridge in the whole of eastern and central Africa on 19 June, 2025.
The president will officially open the bridge, as well as 1.6 km of connecting roads surrounding it.
Tanzania’s prime minister, Kassim Majaliwa, also visited the site at the end of May.
The longest bridge in the region, it will also be among the biggest in the whole of Africa, serving as a vital trade corridor to bolster economic connectivity between Tanzania and the landlocked countries of Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda, as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
One of the key features of the new bridge is a 520-metre low-pylon cable-stayed section, contributing to its record length.
The John Magufuli bridge — named after the late president — also forms part of a wider network of roads and highways infrastructure projects being undertaken by Tanzania.
Minister of Works Abdallah Ulega recently assured residents of Tanzania’s Sengerema District that the government intends to continue with the asphalting of the Segerema - Nyehunge (54.5 km) and Kamanga - Sengerema (32 km) roads to further open up the region and stimulate the economy.
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Tanzania’s John Magufuli bridge completed
Tanzania’s John MagaIfuli Bridge. (Image credit: Tanzania Invest)
