Tanzania Inaugurates John Pombe Magufuli Bridge, East Africa’s Longest

On 19 June 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge, officially the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge, now the longest bridge in East Africa and a major milestone for Tanzania’s economic growth and regional integration.

The bridge spans 3.0 kilometres across Lake Victoria, connected by a 1.66-kilometre access road, and was constructed at a cost of over TZS 700 billion, fully financed by domestic resources.

The bridge now stands as the sixth longest in Africa and delivers a permanent solution for the long-standing transportation challenges in the Lake Zone, replacing ferry services that have operated for decades and enabling more reliable movement of people, goods, and services.

The new bridge is expected to be a vital link for Tanzania and its neighbours, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, facilitating trade and boosting economic opportunities across the region.

At the inauguration ceremony, President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized that the completion of the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge is not only the fulfilment of her predecessor’s vision but also a symbol of Tanzania’s ability to plan and deliver major infrastructure projects using its own resources.

She described the bridge as a “great liberator” for residents who have faced ferry delays for generations, urging communities to take advantage of improved access to increase production, move agricultural inputs and goods, and reach markets more efficiently.

The President praised Tanzanian youth who gained valuable skills during the bridge’s construction, encouraging them to apply their knowledge to future strategic projects nationwide.

She also called on citizens to safeguard the bridge as a significant national asset, and directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) and security agencies to ensure regular inspections and maintain strong protection against vandalism and damage.

President Samia further highlighted that the government has completed nine other major bridges across Tanzania since 2021 and is advancing seven more bridge projects to connect key economic regions.

During her visit, she also inaugurated the Lamadi Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Busega District, and laid the foundation stone for the Climate Change Adaptation Project in Simiyu Region.

The climate adaptation project addresses water, agriculture, livestock, and environmental conservation sectors, with the goal of building community resilience to the impacts of climate change.

President Samia praised local residents who voluntarily provided land for these initiatives and called for continued public cooperation as similar projects expand to the towns of Maswa and Meatu.

The John Pombe Magufuli Bridge

Plans to build a permanent bridge across the Mwanza Gulf to connect Kigongo and Busisi date back decades, as the region relied on ferry transport that caused frequent delays and limited movement.

The project gained momentum during the presidency of John Pombe Magufuli, who prioritized large-scale infrastructure to boost national development.
Construction of the bridge officially began in 2020, following the mobilization of domestic resources for full financing.

The bridge was named in honour of the late President Magufuli after his passing in 2021, recognizing his role in initiating and advancing the project.

Works included local workforce participation and technology transfer, with Tanzanian youth gaining construction skills during the process.