By Mary Agbabiaka
Africa is home to some of the world’s most remarkable bridges, connecting cities, facilitating trade, and overcoming geographical barriers.
Here is a countdown of the ten longest bridges on the continent, starting with the longest.
1. 6th October Bridge (Egypt) ā 20.5 km
The 6th October Bridge in Cairo stands as the longest bridge in Africa. Stretching across the Nile River and weaving through the Egyptian capital, the bridge is a crucial transportation link that helps millions of residents navigate one of Africa’s busiest cities.
2. Third Mainland Bridge (Nigeria) ā 11.8 km
Nigeria’s Third Mainland Bridge is the second-longest bridge in Africa and the longest in West Africa. Connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, it serves as a lifeline for countless commuters and remains one of Nigeria’s most recognizable landmarks.
3. Suez Canal Bridge (Egypt) ā 3.9 km
Also known as the Mubarak Peace Bridge, the Suez Canal Bridge spans the famous Suez Canal and links Africa to Asia. Its strategic importance makes it one of the continent’s most significant engineering achievements.
4. Mozambique Island Bridge (Mozambique) ā 3.8 km
The Mozambique Island Bridge connects the mainland to the historic Island of Mozambique, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridge has improved accessibility and boosted tourism in the region.
5. Dona Ana Bridge (Mozambique) ā 3.7 km
Crossing the Zambezi River, the Dona Ana Bridge was originally constructed as a railway bridge. Today, it remains one of Africa’s longest river crossings and an important transportation route.
6. Armando Emilio Guebuza Bridge (Mozambique) ā 2.37 km
Named after a former Mozambican president, this bridge stretches across the Zambezi River and provides a vital connection between northern and southern Mozambique.
7. Qasr al-Nil Bridge (Egypt) ā 1.9 km
One of Cairo’s most famous landmarks, the Qasr al-Nil Bridge is known for its iconic lion statues. It offers stunning views of the Nile and remains a popular attraction for both residents and tourists.
8. Wouri Bridge (Cameroon) ā 1.8 km
The Wouri Bridge spans the Wouri River in Douala, Cameroon’s economic hub. It plays a critical role in supporting commerce and transportation within the country.
9. Mkapa Bridge (Tanzania) ā 970 m
The Mkapa Bridge crosses the Rufiji River and significantly improved transportation in Tanzania when it opened. It is named after former President Benjamin Mkapa.
10. Katima Mulilo Bridge (NamibiaāZambia) ā 900 m
Rounding out the list is the Katima Mulilo Bridge, which crosses the Zambezi River and connects Namibia with Zambia. The bridge is a key route for regional trade and travel in Southern Africa.
These bridges are more than just structures of steel and concreteāthey are symbols of connectivity, economic growth, and engineering excellence across Africa.
