Tanzania has officially inaugurated the JP Magufuli Bridge, now the longest bridge in East and Central Africa. Spanning 4.66 kilometres across Lake Victoria’s Mwanza Gulf, this structure connects the towns of Kigongo and Busisi and significantly reduces crossing time from two hours by ferry to just five minutes by road. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who presided over the inauguration on June 19, 2025, praised the bridge as a vital step in Tanzania’s infrastructure advancement. Constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Railway 15th Bureau Group, the bridge is an extra-dosed cable-stayed structure — a rare and complex design that offers durability, flexibility, and high load-bearing capacity. For contractors and civil engineers, it serves as a modern example of large-scale project execution with an emphasis on quality and regional relevance. The bridge is 28.45 meters wide, with dual carriageways, pedestrian walkways, and emergency lanes, designed to accommodate up to 1,600 vehicles at a time and speeds of up to 120 km/h.
The JP Magufuli Bridge is more than a landmark. With 95% of the workforce being Tanzanian, the project ensured on-site skill development, which is critical for building local capacity. It is also part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, reflecting how international collaboration can elevate domestic construction sectors. For contractors, this project sets a benchmark in design, project management, and cross-border engineering cooperation. It highlights the importance of investing in durable infrastructure that supports regional growth, trade efficiency, and long-term impact. The bridge not only enhances connectivity across the Lake Region but also serves as a learning model for future infrastructure planning across Africa.
Read the full article here to explore the bridge’s impact on infrastructure, trade, and engineering across East Africa.