The 7 Longest Bridges in Africa You Need to Know
Did you know that the longest bridge in Africa stretches about 20.5 kilometers (12.7 miles) long?
Bridges like this one are engineering masterpieces that play a crucial role in connecting communities, enhancing trade, and driving economic development across the continent.
In Africa, they serve as vital structures that facilitate the movement of both commodities and people and foster growth. In this article, you’ll learn of the 7 longest bridges in the continent of Africa.
1. 6th October Bridge, Egypt
Because it has a date to its name, you’re probably thinking it was commissioned on that day. But guess what? You’re wrong.
The 6th October Bridge was named after the date of the “October 6, 1973,” Yom Kippur War in Egypt. It is the longest bridge in Africa, spanning approximately 20.5 kilometers (12.7 miles) and connects key districts in Cairo. These districts include Dokki, Zamalek, and downtown Cairo, and the bridge crosses the Nile River twice.
The construction of this bridge began in 1969 and took nearly three decades to complete due to various economic challenges and phases of development. In 1996, it was officially inaugurated and it marked a significant milestone in the infrastructural development of Egypt.
The bridge was designed by the renowned Italian engineer Riccardo Morandi, who is known for his innovative use of reinforced concrete and suspension techniques.
Also, it is one of the busiest roads in Cairo, with approximately half a million vehicles using it daily. Over the years, the bridge has undergone several expansions and modernization efforts to accommodate increasing traffic demands.
READ ALSO: 4 Major Bridges in the City of Lagos
2. Third Mainland Bridge, Nigeria
You must be surprised that a bridge in Nigeria tops the list as one of the longest in Africa. Well, quickly recover from that shock. The Third Mainland Bridge is recognized as the longest bridge in Nigeria and the second longest in Africa. It measures approximately 11.8 kilometers (7.3 miles).
Initially, it was named the Ibrahim Babangida Bridge and it serves as a crucial link between Lagos Island and the mainland. The construction of this bridge began in 1976 and was completed in 1990 under the administration of President Ibrahim Babangida. It was constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and features a combination of reinforced concrete and pre-stressed concrete techniques.
Furthermore, the bridge links to major expressways such as the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
3. Suez Canal Bridge, Egypt
The Suez Canal Bridge, also known as the Suez Canal Peace Bridge or the Mubarak Peace Bridge, is a significant infrastructure project in Egypt that enhances connectivity between the Sinai Peninsula and the mainland.
This bridge spans approximately 3.9 km and serves as a transportation link between Africa and Asia. Also, it facilitates international trade by connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
The Suez Canal Bridge was constructed with a cable-stayed design, which allows for a clearance of 70 meters above the water level. This accommodates the passage of large vessels traversing the Suez Canal without obstruction.
Furthermore, the construction of the bridge began in 1997 and was completed in 2001, with funding provided by the Japanese government as part of a grant project aimed at strengthening ties between Japan and Egypt.
4. Mozambique Island Bridge, Mozambique
The Mozambique Island Bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure that connects the Island of Mozambique to the mainland city of Lumbo. The bridge spans approximately 3.39 kilometers (about 2.1 miles) over the Indian Ocean. The bridge is primarily constructed from concrete, features a one-lane design, and allows for both vehicular and pedestrian access.
Economically, the bridge supports local communities by facilitating trade and commerce. It allows fishermen and traders from the island to transport their goods to the mainland more efficiently.
5. Maputo-Catembe Bridge, Mozambique
The Maputo-Catembe Bridge, which is also known as Ponte de Maputo a Katembe, connects the capital city of Maputo with the southern suburb of Katembe across Maputo Bay.
The bridge was officially opened on November 10, 2018, and is notably the longest suspension bridge in Africa. It spans approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles).
The construction of the bridge began in 2014 and was primarily funded by a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China. Also, the construction project was executed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
The bridge features a cable-stayed design with two main towers rising 137 meters above sea level. This provides a height of 60 meters above the water to allow large vessels to pass underneath. The bridge includes four lanes for vehicles and is designed to accommodate heavy traffic.
It also facilitates access to popular tourist destinations such as Ponta do Ouro and the Maputo Special Reserve, thereby making it easier for visitors to explore these attractions.
6. Dona Ana Bridge, Mozambique
The Dona Ana Bridge is another notable long bridge in Mozambique that measures around 3.67 kilometers (2.3 miles). It was originally built as a railroad bridge to connect Malawi with Mozambique’s coal fields and the port of Beira.
Since then, it has been adapted for road use in order to facilitate trade and transportation across regions. It was constructed by the Portuguese during their colonial rule in Mozambique and completed in 1934.
The bridge spans the lower Zambezi River and connects the towns of Vila de Sena and Mutarara. It also links the northern and southern halves of the country and is recognized as one of the longest bridges in Africa.
During the Mozambican Civil War in the 1980s, the bridge suffered extensive damage and became unusable. In response to its deteriorating condition, USAID assisted with repairs in the early 1990s, converting it into a single-lane bridge for vehicle traffic.
7. Armando Emilio Guebuza Bridge, Mozambique
Rounding out our list is the Armando Emilio Guebuza Bridge, which spans approximately 2.37 kilometers (1.5 miles) over the Zambezi River in Mozambique.
It was named after the former President of Mozambique, Armando Guebuza, and connects the provinces of Sofala and Zambezia in order to enhance transportation and economic development in the region.
The bridge, which was completed in 2014 and designed as a box-girder bridge, features a width of about 16 meters (52 feet) and accommodates two lanes for vehicular traffic.
Conclusion
Although bridges are the product of engineering prowess, they are essential components of infrastructure that promote connectivity and economic development across Africa. As Africa continues to grow and develop its infrastructure, do you think there will be a new bridge to push aside our number one longest bridge in Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments.