Welcome back to Real JeRi, the channel where we explore groundbreaking development projects across Africa and the world. Host: Welcome back to Real Jerry, your go-to channel for deep dives into Africa’s biggest infrastructure stories and the projects that are changing the face of the continent. Today, we’re taking you to the shores of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, where a truly monumental project has just been completed: the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge, also known as the Kigongo Busisi Bridge. This isn’t just another bridge, it’s the longest in East and Central Africa, and it’s set to redefine regional connectivity, trade, and economic development for millions of people.
On May 19, 2025, Tanzania officially announced the completion of the Magufuli Bridge, with the grand inauguration by President Samia Suluhu Hassan scheduled for June 19, 2025. This 3.2 kilometer marvel, coupled with 1.66 kilometers of connecting roads, now stands as the longest bridge in the region. Funded entirely by the Tanzanian government at a cost of approximately TZS 700 billion, the equivalent of about US$300 million, the bridge replaces a decades-old ferry system that was often plagued by long delays and inefficiency. Imagine this: what once took hours to cross by ferry now takes just minutes by road.
Now, let’s get into the details. The Magufuli Bridge stretches 3.2 kilometers across Lake Victoria, with 1.66 kilometers of connecting roads, directly linking the towns of Kigongo and Busisi in the Mwanza Region. This isn’t just about convenience, it’s about efficiency and opportunity. The bridge’s width of 28.45 meters accommodates two carriageways, each 7 meters wide, emergency lanes, pedestrian walkways, medians, and robust safety features. Designed as a low pylon cable stayed bridge, it can handle dual carriageway traffic at speeds up to 120 kilometers per hour and is engineered to carry up to 160 tonnes, with a projected lifespan of over 100 years.
When fully operational, the bridge is expected to facilitate the passage of about 10,000 vehicles every 24 hours, a massive leap from the previous ferry capacity of just 1,600 vehicles. That’s a game changer for the region’s logistics and supply chains. Construction began in late 2019, led by a joint venture between China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Railway Bureau Group Corporation, with China Railway Construction Corporation also playing a crucial role. The project generated over 1,500 jobs, mostly for Tanzanians, and trained more than 200 local managers and technical workers, while engaging nearly 20 subcontractors and over 100 suppliers.
And here’s where it gets exciting for the region’s economy. ..........
In conclusion, the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge stands as a testament to Tanzania’s ambition, strategic vision, and capacity for large-scale, domestically funded infrastructure development. Its impact is multifaceted: it’s an economic catalyst, drastically cutting travel times and logistics costs; a driver of regional integration, connecting Tanzania with its neighbors; a model of integrated development, working in harmony with the SGR and road networks; and a showcase for sustainable innovation, overcoming global challenges and setting new benchmarks for responsible construction.
This bridge is more than concrete and steel, it’s a symbol of Tanzania’s commitment to a connected, industrialized, and prosperous future. It’s a powerful engine for economic growth and enhanced cooperation across East Africa, and a concrete manifestation of the Tanzania Development Vision 2025. As it begins operations, the Magufuli Bridge is set to unlock new opportunities for millions and inspire future projects across the continent.
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