Tanzania completes construction of longest bridge in East and Central Africa
The bridge spans a total length of three kilometres across Lake Victoria. It is also connected by an additional 1.66 kilometres of feeder roads
The government of Tanzania has finished the construction of the JP Magufuli Bridge, which is expected to revolutionise travel and trade across the country's Lake Zone and beyond.
The bridge, named after late Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli, spans a total length of three kilometres across Lake Victoria. It is also connected by an additional 1.66 kilometres of feeder roads and the Kigongo-Busisi bridge, making it the longest bridge in East and Central Africa.
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It forms a key part of the Tanzanian Trunk Road T4, a strategic transport corridor that links the country with regional neighbours including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is expected to play a crucial role in boosting trade, supporting economic integration and opening up new commercial opportunities along the transport route.
To further maximise the bridge's impact, the Tanzanian government is also undertaking complementary road projects, such as the 54.5-kilometre Sengerema–Nyehunge road and the 32-kilometre Kamanga–Sengerema route.
These additional routes aim to improve access to services, facilitate the flow of goods and enhance transport services for communities in the region.
According to Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, President Samia Suluhu will officially commission the Sh700 million bridge on June 19, 2025.
"This is a proud moment for our nation. I urge citizens to turn out in large numbers to welcome the Head of State during the official opening," said Majaliwa when he toured the project on Monday.
On his part, Tanzania's Minister for Works Abdallah Ulega highlighted the project as one of the most significant milestones achieved by the country under the current administration.
"The JP Magufuli Bridge is a testament to our nation's ability to mobilise internal resources for transformative development," said Ulega. "It will ease movement between Kigongo and Busisi, reduce reliance on ferry transport, and unlock economic potential across the Lake Zone," he said.
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