As an example of human ingenuity, bridges are among the most vital elements of contemporary infrastructure. Over time, lengthier bridges have been constructed with the assistance of innovative designs, materials, and ideas that have enabled the construction of a wide variety of bridges.
Globally, remote cities, islands, and chasms can now be linked with the assistance of sophisticated engineering and bridges. Africa is not far behind, and the continent’s rapidly developing nations can now claim of some enormous and distinctive bridges. The following is a list of the ten longest bridges in Africa:
Stroll down for more on 10 Longest Bridges In Africa
1. Bridge of 6 October, Egypt – 20.5 kilometers (12.7 miles)
By far, the longest bridge in Africa is the October 6 Bridge in Egypt. Therefore, the reason why does Egypt have such a colossal bridge? The primary objective of this enormous edifice was to enhance connectivity across the entire capital city of Cairo.
The initiation of this bridge’s construction was undertaken by Arab Contractors, an Egyptian company, in 1969.
The bridge was constructed by engineers utilizing a cantilever carriage and launching truss system; it was finally finished in 1996. Symbolizing the date of “The Crossing,” the appellation swiftly became entangled with regional logistical operations.
Experts estimate that daily usage of the 6th October Bridge will reach 500,000 as of 2023. This bridge serves numerous destinations, including those to and from employment, the airport, and even other cities.
Indeed, its economic, transportation, and tourism-related significance has earned the neighborhood a moniker “the spinal cord of Cairo.” If you ever have the intention of visiting bridges in Africa, this enormous edifice should be at the forefront of your itinerary.
2. Nigeria’s Third Mainland Bridge, 7.3 kilometers (11.8 miles)
The Third Mainland Bridge, situated in Lagos, Nigeria, is the most extensive of the three traffic bridges that span the Lagos Lagoon. The Ibrahim Babangida Bridge, which bears the name of a former president of Nigeria, serves as an official link between the commercial district and the Lagos mainland. As a result, the bridge is the second-longest in Africa, spanning 7.3 miles. Late in the 1970s, in response to Lagos’s burgeoning population, the Third Mainland Bridge was constructed to alleviate jams and traffic.
In 1990, after completing the project in multiple phases, Julius Berger and PGH Venture granted public access. It has witnessed tremendous traffic over the past three decades, accommodating daily commuters to and from work.
In the 2000s, however, issues such as cracks and vibrations started to manifest as a consequence of the enormous burden. In 2006, for instance, numerous commuters reported that the bridge’s vibrations frightened oncoming vehicles.
In order to address this issue, the Third Mainland Bridge has undergone numerous closures and repairs. The most recent of these occurred for five weeks in November 2023.
3. Egypt: Suez Canal Bridge, 2.4 Miles (3.9 Kilometers)
Asia and Africa are connected by the Suez Canal Bridge in Egypt, a significant undertaking in the region. Financial support for its construction was extended by Japan and Egypt in an effort to promote the development of the regions surrounding the Suez Canal.
In 1995, a consortium of companies, which included Nippon Steel and Kajima Corporation, commenced construction. Two primary pylons support the main span in a cable-stayed semi-fan configuration incorporated into the design of the bridge. After a total of six years of construction, the Suez Canal Bridge was inaugurated on October 9, 2009.
Spanning a distance of 2.4 miles, the bridge traverses the Suez Canal, establishing itself as the third longest bridge in Africa. With a clearance of 230 feet, it provides passage for vessels reaching a maximum height of 68 meters.
In addition, a 75-foot width accommodates four lanes of automobile traffic to ensure seamless connectivity.
Stroll down for more on 10 Longest Bridges In Africa
4. Mozambique Island Bridge, Mozambique – 1.9 Miles (3.8 Km)
The Mozambique Island Bridge is the longest bridge in the nation and the third consecutive entry from Mozambique. With a total length of 1.9 miles, it ascends from the Dona Ana Bridge to reach the summit.
In contrast to the majority of the bridges included in this compilation, the Mozambique Island Bridge spans an oceanic expanse rather than a river.
Indeed, that is correct! Connecting the Island of Mozambique (formerly the Portuguese capital of East Africa) to the Mainland, it traverses the Indian Ocean. It was constructed in 1969 in response to a bid by the Mozambican administration.
Subsequently, enhancements and renovations have been made to the bridge, culminating in the installation of a comprehensive illumination system. However, due to light traffic, it is a one-lane, one-way concrete bridge that accommodates a restricted number of vehicles.
Thus, Mozambique is a popular destination for those interested in long bridges in Africa.
Read Also: Fun Places in Abeokuta You Didn’t Know About
5. Mozambique’s Dona Ana Bridge is 2.3 kilometers (3.67 miles)
The Dona Ana Bridge, located in Mozambique, spans the Zambezi River. In contrast to its counterpart, this bridge was designed by engineers to accommodate rail transportation.
It was constructed by the Portuguese in 1934 and linked the port of Beira with the Moatize coal deposits in Malawi. With forty spans, it was the longest railway bridge in Africa at the time.
After 1980, however, the bridge ceased to function, and for nearly a decade, it was closed by the authorities.
Transforming the Dona Ana Bridge into a single-lane road bridge did not commence with fundamental restorations until the late 1980s. Following this, the bridge was reconstructed in 2009 and 2016 to accommodate rail and pedestrian traffic.
At present, it is linked to the local Sena Railway, which facilitates the daily transportation of over 3,000 pedestrians on foot. Furthermore, boasting a span of 2.3 miles, it ranks as the second most extensive bridge in the entirety of the nation!
6. Mozambique’s Armando Emilio Guebuza Bridge is 1.5 kilometers (2.37 miles)
Connecting the provinces of Sofala and Zambezia, the Armando Emilio Guebuza Bridge is an aesthetically pleasing box girder structure situated in Mozambique. Spanning the picturesque Zambezi River in Africa, this bridge measures 52 feet (16 meters) in breadth.
Late in the 21st century, the bridge was constructed to substitute road connectivity for ferries. It was completed after four years and $72 million of funding and was dedicated on August 1, 2009.
The bridge, which was named after the former president of Mozambique, Armando Guebuza, became an immediate lifeline for local road traffic. At present, it is accessible to the majority of vehicles, albeit subject to a toll that varies by vehicle type and size.
Stroll down for more on 10 Longest Bridges In Africa
7. Egypt’s Qasr El-Nil Bridge – 1.93 kilometers (1.2 miles)
One of the most renowned structures in Egypt, the Qasr Al-Nil Bridge spans the renowned Nile River. As a replacement for the original Nile bridge, the Qasr Al-Nil represented an enormous undertaking in Egypt.
Thus, it was granted to the renowned bridge construction firm Dorman, Long & Co. Limited, which is also renowned for constructing Australia’s Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The construction of the Qasr Al-Nil Bridge commenced in 1931 and was fully finished in 1933, with an estimated expenditure of under $10,000 USD.
At the time of its construction, the 1.2-mile-long swing bridge was among the most magnificent edifices in Egypt. Since then, the 90-year-old bridge has become a popular tourist destination, with a constant stream of individuals strolling by or taking photographs.
In addition to the breathtaking Nile waters, the bridge features two enormous lion statues positioned at either end for the benefit of onlookers. Due to its captivating scenery and rich history, the Qasr Al-Nil Bridge is one of the most well-liked structures on this list.
Stroll down for more on 10 Longest Bridges In Africa
8. Wouri Bridge, Cameroon, is located 1.1 kilometers (1.8 miles)
Wouri Bridge, located in Cameroon. Mboupda Talla Roger on Wikimedia Commons is the source of the image.
Expanding to a total length of 1.1 miles, the Wouri Bridge in Cameroon represents a significant advancement. By carrying both rail and road traffic, the bridge connects several of Cameroon’s most populous cities.
It was constructed during the French colonial period in the 1950s to link the port of Bonaberi with Douala. The Wouri Bridge is therefore, in addition to being among the longest, also among the earliest on this list.
However, as a result of the obsolete and inadequate dimensions of the previous design, the bridge has recently undergone a restoration endeavor. It underwent a six-lane road deck and twin-track railway deck expansion by Soletanche Bachy International between 2013 and 2017.
This has significantly enhanced the traffic volume and structural integrity of Wouri Bridge, ensuring its long-term viability.
Stroll down for more on 10 Longest Bridges In Africa
9. Tanzania’s Mkapa Bridge is 0.6 miles (970 meters)
Dedicated to Benjamin Mkapa, the nation’s third president, this bridge represented a significant national undertaking. A loan exceeding $30 million was obtained to finance the project, with contributions from the Kuwait Fund, OPEC, and the Government of Saudi Arabia.
The Mkapa Bridge, which spans the Rufiji River, was subsequently conceived by H. P. Gauff Ingenieure GmbH & Co. and constructed by the Italian company Impresa Ing. Fortunato Federici S.p.A.
It spanned an impressive 0.6 miles at the time of its 2003 inauguration, making it one of the longest road bridges in Africa. Additionally, the Mkapa Bridge has facilitated commerce, travel, and tourism by connecting various regions of the country.
10. Namibia’s Katima Mulilo Bridge is 0.56 miles (900 meters)
The Karima Mulilo Bridge spans a distance of 0.56 miles between Shesheke, Zambia, and Katima Mulilo, Namibia. The bridge’s inauguration in 2004 by the presidents of both nations marked a significant milestone in the facilitation of trade between the two countries.
This is because it spans the Zambezi River and connects the road network in Zambia to Namibia’s Trans-Caprivi Highway. The bridge facilitates both commercial and tourist movement throughout south-central Africa. So, while it may be the smallest on this list, the Katima Mulilo Bridge is no joke.
The bridge is quite sophisticated, as it was built utilizing the German method of incremental launching. Using this method, workers in Zambia built the 19 spans of this bridge and pushed them hydraulically, one at a time, across the river. In summary, the Katima Mulilo is a vital bridge that has been supporting Namibia and Zambia’s trade for two decades.
Future Bridges In Africa
While these bridges may support millions of people and vehicles, the need for connectivity is still rising. Due to this, many major projects are in the works, which will change up this list soon. Some of the most interesting and herculean future bridge projects in Africa are:
Fourth Mainland Bridge – The Fourth Mainland Bridge will connect Lagos Island and Lagos City to relieve congestion on the Third Mainland Bridge. They expect to complete it in 2027 with a length of 23 miles (37 KM).
Unnamed Tanzania Bridge – Although it is in preliminary stages, the Tanzanian government plans to build ‘Africa’s Longest Bridge’ to connect Dar es Salaam with Zanzibar Island. According to estimates, the bridge will have a total length of 31 miles (50 km).
Mtentu Bridge – Unlike the others, the Mtentu Bridge isn’t very long but very tall. Planned to have a staggering height of 732 feet (223 m), it will be Africa’s tallest bridge upon completion.
So, with these projects and many others in the works, Africa is set for major growth. With some of the most advanced and longest bridges, there are plenty of opportunities in logistics, connectivity, and economy.