TANZANIA: In a landmark move, President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday inaugurated the Magufuli Bridge, a monumental structure spanning Lake Victoria that significantly boosts connectivity in the region.
Named after former President John Magufuli, the bridge is Africa’s longest extra-dosed cable-stayed bridge, stretching over 4.66 kilometers. It connects the towns of Kigongo and Busisi in the Mwanza Region, reducing travel time across the lake from over two hours to a mere five minutes.
“The Magufuli Bridge is a milestone in our nation’s infrastructure development,” President Hassan said at the opening ceremony. “It will enhance trade with our neighbors and bring immense benefits to our people.”
The bridge is expected to bolster trade with neighboring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By drastically cutting down travel time and transport costs by up to 15%, it paves the way for economic growth and regional integration.
Constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Railway 15th Bureau Group, the bridge features a four-lane dual carriageway designed for speeds up to 120 kilometers per hour. Its centerpiece is a 520-meter, three-tower cable-stayed span, a testament to modern engineering.
“The Magufuli Bridge is a landmark project under the Belt and Road Initiative and a model of China-Tanzania cooperation,” said Chen Mingjian, Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, during the inauguration. “It highlights the broader significance for China-Africa development.”
The bridge not only serves as a strategic transport hub but also is expected to boost surrounding industries, including agriculture, tourism, and commerce, benefiting over one million residents around Lake Victoria.
Emphasizing local workforce development, the project maintained a local employment rate of nearly 95%, generating around 3,000 jobs and training over 1,500 skilled technical workers, according to a press release from CCECC.
The ceremony was attended by Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, former President Jakaya Kikwete, government ministers, diplomats, and community representatives, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history.
