Top 10 longest bridges in Africa

Bridges are more than engineering marvels; they are lifelines that connect people, communities, and economies. Across Africa, these structures signify innovation, resilience, and progress. From Egypt’s monumental 6th October Bridge to Mozambique’s Maputo-Katembe Bridge, these landmarks symbolize the continent’s development in infrastructure and trade.

Here are the top 10 longest bridges in Africa:

1. 6th October Bridge, Egypt

Africa’s longest bridge, the 6th October Bridge in Cairo, spans 20.5 kilometers along the River Nile. Completed in 1996, this elevated highway connects Cairo’s suburbs to its international airport, crossing the Nile twice and providing vital urban connectivity. Construction by the Egyptian firm Arab Contractors took an impressive 27 years to complete.

2. Third Mainland Bridge, Nigeria

The iconic Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos is Africa’s second longest, stretching 11.8 kilometers. Built in phases by Julius Berger and PGH Venture, it was completed in 1990. The bridge links Oworonshoki to Lagos Island, with a midway connector to Yaba, making it a crucial route for Lagos’s bustling traffic.

3. Nairobi National Park Super Major Bridge, Kenya

Part of the Nairobi-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway, this 6.58-kilometer bridge is the third longest in Africa. Completed in 2019, it gracefully spans Nairobi National Park, maintaining a height of 8 to 41 meters to preserve the park’s ecosystem.

4. Suez Canal Bridge, Egypt

Also known as the Al Salam Peace Bridge, this 3.9-kilometer marvel connects Africa to Asia, spanning the Suez Canal. Built by a consortium of Egyptian and Japanese firms, the bridge opened in 2001, serving as a symbol of international collaboration.

5. Mozambique Island Bridge, Mozambique

Connecting Mozambique Island to the mainland, this 3.39-kilometer bridge is the only one on the list crossing an ocean. Completed in 1969, it remains a vital link for the historic island and the mainland.

6. Dona Ana Bridge, Mozambique

Originally built for rail transport in 1934, this bridge spans the Zambezi River, connecting Malawi to Mozambique. Once Africa’s longest railway bridge, its 40 spans make it an engineering icon.

7. Maputo-Katembe Bridge, Mozambique

Stretching 3.04 kilometers, this suspension bridge links Maputo to Katembe. Constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation, it opened in 2018, enhancing regional trade and mobility.

8. Chora Super Major Bridge, Kenya

This 2019 addition to Kenya’s Nairobi-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway ranks eighth. It underscores Kenya’s commitment to modern railway infrastructure.

9. Athi River Super Bridge, Kenya

Completed in 2018, this bridge along the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway spans the Athi River, surpassing Mozambique’s Dona Ana Bridge to become Africa’s second-longest railway bridge.

10. Armando Emilio Guebuza Bridge, Mozambique

Named after Mozambique’s former president, this 1.2-kilometer box-girder bridge connects Sofala and Zambezia provinces. Completed in 2009 at a cost of $72 million, it replaced ferries, enhancing road connectivity in the region.