Summary
- Africa has only one bridge that connects two continents: the Suez Canal bridge in Egypt, which links the Sinai Peninsula in Asia. This makes it a crucial global trade hub.
- Mozambique, previously devastated by conflict, is home to three of the longest bridges in Africa. Its infrastructure has significantly contributed to the nation’s development and the reconnection of its provinces.
- Nigeria’s Third Mainland Bridge, while ranked second in length, is the busiest bridge on this list. It faces significant wear and tear from the heavy traffic of Lagos’s daily commuters.
In-Depth Exploration
The phrase “longest bridge” can refer to both its length and overall size. In Africa, however, these bridges are more than mere structures; they are essential lifelines. They connect communities and facilitate day-to-day living. African bridges cross significant waterways, expansive floodplains, and deep rivers that have historically hindered trade, opportunity, and healthcare access. In Cairo, they alleviate surface traffic; in Mozambique, they supersede unreliable ferry services; and in Nigeria, they manage the daily movement of millions of commuters.
The rankings are determined by total structural length, including elevated roadways, suspended spans, and access ramps.
10. Mkapa Bridge – Tanzania
The Mkapa Bridge, measuring 0.6 miles (970 m), is situated in Southeastern Tanzania, spanning the Rufiji River and connecting Dar es Salaam to previously inaccessible areas during the rainy season. Officially inaugurated in 2003 and named after former president Benjamin Mkapa, it was primarily funded by Kuwait, OPEC, and Saudi Arabia. The construction cost nearly $30 million, accounting for 10% of the national infrastructure budget, making it one of the country’s most significant projects at the time.
9. Wouri Bridge – Cameroon
The Wouri Bridge extends for 1.1 miles (1.8 km) and was constructed in the 1950s during French colonialism, making it over 70 years old. It connects the port city of Douala to western Cameroon. Initially designed for about 2,000 vehicles a day, the current traffic exceeds 50,000 vehicles daily, resulting in it being one of the most congested bridges in Central Africa. To alleviate the strain, a second parallel bridge was built in 2017.
8. Qasr Al Nil Bridge – Egypt
The Qasr Al Nil Bridge measures 1.2 miles (1.93 km) and was completed in 1933, adorned with majestic bronze lion statues on both ends. More than just a beautiful sight, it is the first bridge to span the Nile River in central Cairo, imbued with political and symbolic significance. This bridge connects downtown Cairo to the upscale district of Zamalek and served as a main thoroughfare for protesters heading to Tahrir Square during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. Despite its shorter length, it holds a rich history in Egypt.
7. Armando Emílio Guebuza Bridge – Mozambique
The Armando Emílio Guebuza Bridge was opened in 2009 and named in honor of former president Armando Guebuza, largely built with support from Japan. The bridge spans 1.88 miles (3.04 km) across the Zambezi River, linking the central provinces of Sofala and Zambezi. Before its construction, ferries often overloaded in unsafe conditions, but the new bridge has greatly improved the transportation of people and goods.
6. Mozambique Island Bridge – Mozambique
The Mozambique Island Bridge, constructed in 1969, is the longest bridge in Africa that crosses open ocean waters. Despite being a one-lane structure without modern traffic controls, it accommodates over 1,000 vehicles daily. Stretching 2.1 miles (3.39 km), it links the Island of Mozambique, a former capital of Portuguese East Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the mainland. This bridge is the sole transportation route between the island and the mainland, vital for trade and tourism.
5. Hachef Viaduct – Morocco
The Hachef Viaduct spans 2.15 miles (3.46 km) and was completed in 2018, earning the title of the longest bridge in North Africa. This train route connects Tangier and Casablanca and was designed to withstand the region’s occasional earthquakes. It also crosses the Hachef River valley, characterized by uneven terrain and hills. The Hachef Viaduct provides a rapid and safe transportation link between major Moroccan cities.
4. Dona Ana Bridge – Mozambique
The Dona Ana Bridge has undergone many changes throughout its history. Spanning a length of 2.3 miles (3.67 km), it was originally constructed in 1934 as a railway bridge to facilitate coal exports from Malawi to the Beira port. During the Mozambican Civil War, it was adapted to accommodate road and pedestrian traffic when other routes were compromised. This bridge has played numerous roles, serving as a pedestrian route, a rail link, and an escape path during wartime. It stands as a testament to resilience in the Zambezi region.
3. Suez Canal Bridge – Egypt
The Suez Canal Bridge is the sole bridge in Africa linking to Asia. Completed in 2001 with support from Japan, it stretches 3.4 miles (3.9 km) in length. Known as the Peace Bridge or El Salam Bridge, it features a clearance of nearly 70 meters, allowing large cargo ships to sail underneath. This bridge is crucial for connecting Sinai with the rest of Egypt, enhancing trade and transportation. Due to its strategic significance, it is heavily monitored and secured by military forces.
2. Third Mainland Bridge – Nigeria
The Third Mainland Bridge in Nigeria is the most heavily trafficked bridge in Africa. It connects Lagos Island to the mainland, making it a vital route in Nigeria’s most bustling state. Owing to its high usage, the bridge has encountered deterioration issues such as subsidence and failures in the expansion joints, prompting repairs and temporary closures. At a length of 7.3 miles (11.8 km), it once held the title of the longest bridge in Africa.
1. 6th October Bridge – Egypt
The 6th October Bridge is Africa’s longest bridge and ranks among the longest elevated roads globally. Its construction spanned nearly three decades, commencing in 1969 and concluding in 1996. Measuring 12.7 miles (20.5 km), it crosses the Nile and weaves through central Cairo. Often referred to as the “Spine of Cairo” or “the second ground,” it commemorates Egypt’s military victory in the October 1973 War.
