Top 10 Longest Bridges In Africa

Bridges serve as vital links, connecting regions and facilitating the smooth flow of transportation and commerce. In Africa, a continent renowned for its diverse landscapes and numerous water bodies, bridges play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity and promoting economic development. From the iconic Nile River to the vast plains of the Sahara, Africa boasts several remarkable bridges that span across great distances. This article aims to explore the top 10 longest bridges in Africa, showcasing the engineering marvels that have been constructed to overcome geographical challenges and unite communities.

These bridges symbolize the continent’s progress in infrastructure development and stand as testaments to human ingenuity and determination. These include bridges. Below is a compilation of the top 10 longest bridges in Africa

Top 10 Longest Bridges In Africa

1. 6th October Bridge

Egypt’s 6th October Bridge is the longest bridge in Africa. Located in Cairo, the bridge is built along River Niles and measures 20.5km. The bridge, which forms an elevated highway, crosses the Niles twice from the west bank suburbs, east through Gezira Island to Downtown Cairo.

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The 6th October Bridge is also used to access the Cairo International Airport from the city. Construction of the bridge started in 1969 and was completed in 1996

2. Third Mainland Bridge

Third Mainland Bridge located in Lagos Nigeria is Africa’s second-largest river. The bridge carried the crown for the longest river on the continent until the 6th October Bridge was launched in 1996.

The bridge stretches from Oworonshoki, through the Apapa-Oshodi expressway and Lagos-Ibadan expressway and ends at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island.

The Third Mainland Bridge measures 10.5km and was constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC and was inaugurated in 1990.

3. Suez Canal Bridge

Another one is from Egypt. The Suez Canal Bridge is the third-largest in Africa and crosses the canal at El-Qantara.

This bridge connects the African continent and Eurasia and was constructed using financial assistance from Japan. The Suez Canal Bridge measures 3.9 km and was constructed by Kajima Corporation.

4. Mozambique Island Bridge

Mozambique Island Bridge connects the Island of Mozambique to the mainland over the Indian Ocean.

The island was formally the capital of colonial Portuguese East Africa. constructed and maintained by the National Road Administration, the bridge measures 3.8km and was completed in 1969.

5. Dona Ana Bridge

Dona Ana bridge is 3.6 km long and crosses the Zambezi River between the towns of Vila de Sena and Mutarara in Mozambique.

The bridge links the two halves of the country and was initially built as a railway bridge connecting Malawi and the Moatize coal fields to the port of Beira.

6. Armando Emilio Guebuza Bridge

Also located in Mozambique and crossing the Zambezi River, Armando Emilio Guebuza Bridge is one of the longest rivers in Africa coming in at 6th position.

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Named after the country’s former president Armando Guebuza, the 2.37 km, and 16 meters wide river connects the provinces of Sofala and Zambezia.

7. Qasr al-Nil Bridge

At number seven is Qasr al-Nil Bridge which is located in Central Cairo and crosses the River Nile. The bridge connects downtown Cairo to Gezira Island and the Zamalek district.

The Qasr al-Nil Bridge was designed by Ralph Anthony Freeman and built out of steel. The bridge is 1.932 km long. It was originally named Khedive Ismail Bridge.

8. Wouri Bridge

Located in Cameroon, the Wouri Bridge connects Douala to the port of Bonaberi. The 1.8 km long bridge was constructed in the 1950s by the French colonial government.

It serves both the road and rail traffic to the West of Cameroon. The Wouri Bridge is now almost 70 years old.

9. Mkapa Bridge

Tanzania’s Mkapa Bridge is 970 meters long at position nine and is one of the longest bridges in Africa. The bridge was inaugurated in 2003 and named after the country’s 3rd president Benjamin Mkapa.

Mkapa Bridge crosses over River Rufiji and its construction was financed by the Kuwait Fund, OPEC, and the Government of Saudi Arabia through a loan amounting to $30 million.

10. Katima Mulilo Bridge

The Katima Mulilo Bridge is one of the longest bridges in Africa and is located in Zambia along the Zambezi River.

The 900-meter-long bridge was inaugurated in May 2004. It is also known as Bridge 508 in the Namibian Bridge Register. The bridge also serves as a boundary between Sesheke, Zambia, and Katima Mulilo, Namibia

The top 10 longest bridges in Africa exemplify the continent’s commitment to building robust transportation networks and fostering regional integration.

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From the impressive spans crossing the Nile in Egypt to the modern marvels in Nigeria and Algeria, these bridges have not only facilitated the movement of goods and people but have also become iconic symbols of progress.

As Africa continues to witness rapid urbanization and economic growth, the need for well-designed and strategically placed bridges will only increase. The construction of such infrastructural wonders not only enhances connectivity but also stimulates economic activity, promotes tourism, and improves the overall quality of life for the people of Africa.

With ongoing advancements in engineering and a focus on sustainable development, the future holds the promise of even more remarkable bridges that will further shape the continent’s landscape and contribute to its continued progress.