President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially inaugurated the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge, a major infrastructure project spanning Lake Victoria and constructed by a Chinese firm, marking a transformative step in Tanzania’s transport and economic development.
The bridge, also known as the Tanzanite Bridge, connects Kigongo and Busisi in the Mwanza region. At 3.2 kilometres long, it is the longest bridge in East Africa and significantly reduces travel time across the lake—cutting what was once a 35-minute ferry ride to just five minutes by vehicle.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Samia praised the bridge as a “symbol of progress and partnership,” highlighting its potential to boost regional trade, tourism, and the movement of goods and people within the Lake Zone and beyond. She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to major infrastructure development as a pillar of national growth.
“This bridge is not only a physical structure—it is a lifeline for communities, a path for economic empowerment, and a statement of our determination to connect every corner of Tanzania,” she said.
The $300 million project was built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and funded through a partnership between the Tanzanian government and Chinese financial institutions. The bridge features dual carriageways and pedestrian walkways, designed to handle heavy traffic flow while ensuring safety and accessibility.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the bridge, noting its impact on business and daily life. Farmers and traders now enjoy easier access to markets, while transport costs have dropped significantly.
The bridge is also expected to support cross-border trade with Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, positioning Mwanza as a key economic hub in the Great Lakes region.
With its successful completion, the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge stands as a landmark achievement in Tanzania’s infrastructure journey and a testament to the growing cooperation between Tanzania and China in major development initiatives.
