MWANZA: AS the year 2025 draws to a close, the nation has celebrated a historic milestone with the official inauguration of the JP Magufuli Bridge, marking a new chapter in enhanced mobility, economic development and regional integration.
The long-held dream of opening up the Lake Zone in 2025 has now become a reality.
The bridge was inaugurated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on June 19, 2025. She described the occasion as “historic,” noting that it marks a decisive shift from decades of reliance on ferries to a modern, highcapacity road transport system.
“Today is a historic day for our nation. We are opening a new chapter, one that ensures safer and faster travel for our people,” President Samia said.
She added that the bridge stands as a symbol of national pride and capability, demonstrating that Tanzania can plan, finance and successfully implement large-scale infrastructure projects independently.
The bridge was named after the late President Dr John Magufuli, whose personal concerns over ferry safety inspired the vision for the Lake Victoria crossing.
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“He once refused to board a ferry due to safety concerns. That moment drove him, as President, to seek a permanent solution. I am proud to have ensured that the promise he made is now a reality,” President Samia told jubilant citizens who gathered for the inauguration ceremony.
When President Samia assumed office, the project was only 25 per cent complete. Connecting Kigongo in Mwanza Region and Busisi in Geita Region, the bridge spans 3 kilometres across Lake Victoria and is supported by 1.66 kilometres of approach roads. It is 28.45 metres wide.
With its completion, the JP Magufuli Bridge now stands as the longest bridge in East and Central Africa.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Daily News, Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) Mwanza Regional Manager, Engineer Paschal Ambrose, attributed the successful execution of the project to President Samia’s steadfast leadership, particularly her commitment to timely disbursement of funds.
“The completion of this bridge will accelerate people’s development, as it will enhance connectivity among four East African Community (EAC) countries of Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” Eng Ambrose said.
He noted that the project recorded remarkable progress, considering it was only 25 per cent complete when its initiator, the late Dr Magufuli, passed away on March 17, 2021.
Implementation of the iconic project had commenced almost a year before the passing of Dr Magufuli, whose vision was upheld and completed under President Samia’s leadership.
Eng Ambrose said the 3.2-kilometre bridge, fully funded by the government at a cost of approximately 718bn/-, is not only the longest in Eastern and Central Africa but also ranks as the sixth longest bridge in Africa.
He added that the project created over 1,050 employment opportunities, including 966 jobs taken up by Tanzanians from across the country.
The project was implemented by China-based companies China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCEEC) in collaboration with China Railway 15 Bureau Group Corporation (CR15BGC).
The largest bridge in East and Central Africa is expected to ignite social, political and economic activities, including business, agriculture, tourism and fishing, by linking Misungwi and Sengerema districts across Lake Victoria in Mwanza Region.
Seasoned business and entrepreneurship expert, Dr Sylvester Jotta, said the historic bridge will transform Mwanza City by positioning it as an international trading hub, with vast business opportunities emerging from enhanced interaction among people in the East African region and beyond.
Dr Jotta urged citizens to shift their mindset from local to international perspectives in order to fully harness the emerging opportunities, including investing in hotel construction to accommodate the anticipated surge in business visitors.
He noted that the project is a watershed for East African interconnectivity, from which Mwanza City and Tanzania at large are expected to witness increased revenue collection due to the influx of foreigners, necessitating adequate investments to meet their needs and demands.
“Mwanza is strategically located as the centre of the East African region. The government now needs to internationalise its infrastructure system, including roads and airports, while strengthening electricity supply, as the bridge turns the country’s second most developed city into a business and tourism hub,” Dr Jotta said.
He added that the Kiswahili language is also expected to gain wider international reach.
Meanwhile, Guld Chai Leo Company truck driver, Mashimba Petro, who supplies food products including biscuits and wheat flour to retailers in Geita, Mwanza and Kagera, said completion of the project has already reduced the time spent reaching customers.