Magufuli Bridge

Tanzania has completed the construction of the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge, a monumental infrastructure project that spans 3.2 kilometers across Lake Victoria, making it the longest bridge in East and Central Africa. The bridge connects the towns of Kigongo in the Mwanza Region and Busisi in the Geita Region, significantly reducing the travel time between them from over two hours by ferry to just under four minutes by car .(mwananchi.co.tz, en.wikipedia.org)

Key Features and Construction Details

• Design and Structure: The bridge is an extradosed cable-stayed structure, notable for its unique design in the Lake Victoria region. It is 28.45 meters wide, accommodating two vehicle lanes and pedestrian walkways .(whoownsafrica.com, thevoiceofafrica.com)

• Construction Timeline: Initiated in December 2019, the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was completed in October 2024. The official inauguration is scheduled for June 19, 2025 .(atta.travel, dailynews.co.tz)

• Funding and Execution: The Tanzanian government fully financed the bridge, investing approximately $300 million (TZS 716.3 billion). The construction was carried out by a joint venture between China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Railway 15th Bureau .(thevoiceofafrica.com, softpower.ug)

Economic and Regional Impact

• Enhanced Connectivity: The bridge forms part of the Trunk Road T4 corridor, linking Tanzania to neighboring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This strategic positioning is expected to bolster regional trade and integration .(logisticsbusinessafrica.co.za, mwananchi.co.tz)

• Economic Benefits: By improving transport efficiency, the bridge is anticipated to reduce logistics costs, facilitate trade, and support key sectors such as agriculture, fishing, mining, and tourism. Analysts project a 10–15% reduction in transportation costs for mining operations and a 12% increase in fish exports over the next five years .(thevoiceofafrica.com)

• Job Creation and Capacity Building: The project created over 1,500 jobs and contributed to local capacity-building efforts by training Tanzanian engineers and transferring advanced construction technologies .(thevoiceofafrica.com)

Strategic Importance

The Magufuli Bridge is a testament to Tanzania's commitment to infrastructure development and regional integration. It not only honors the legacy of the late President John Pombe Magufuli but also sets a benchmark for future infrastructure projects across the continent. With its promise of improved mobility, enhanced trade, and stronger regional ties, the bridge stands as a symbol of progress and possibility for Tanzania and East Africa at large .(thevoiceofafrica.com)