Tanzania, Africa: The largest bridge of Africa is about to be built

Africa’s largest bridge is about to be built in Tanzania, Africa. The bridge will connect Tanzania with the Zanzibar islands. Specifically, the 49 kilometers long bridge will connect Dar es Salaam which is one of the biggest cities of Tanzania with the Indian Ocean archipelago. The idea of the project was conceived in 2020 and according to the officials it was about to be completed in 2028. However, due to financial matters no significant progress has been made until now. The $2.7 billion project is crucial for the country’s economy as it will boost trade and tourism by attracting more visitors to the islands.

It should be noted that Zanzibar consists of two major islands, Unguja and Pemba, and multiple small ones. The main source of income for the islands is tourism due to the Government’s effort to promote it. They have managed already to attract nearly 638,500 visitors, a significant increase compared to the 19,000 visitors in 1985, and they are hoping to further increase the attraction in the future.

In addition, Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of Tanzania, stated that they prioritize trade across the country and the continent in general, hence they have utilized the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Furthermore, they are planning a rail that will connect Tanzania with Kenya, while they want to pursue another project about an electrified railway that will cross Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo eliminating trade barriers.

Overall, according to the deputy minister of Works and Transport of Tanzania, Geoffrey Kasekenya, China Overseas Engineering Group Company had offered and discussed for the construction of the bridge, while the project will be funded by a public-private partnership and partially by the African Development Bank.