On June 19, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially inaugurated the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge formerly the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge ushering in a new era of connectivity, economic integration, and tourism potential for Tanzania and the entire East African region. Stretching 3 kilometers across Lake Victoria and linked by a 1.66-kilometer access road, this landmark bridge is now the longest in East Africa and the sixth longest on the African continent. Constructed at a cost exceeding TZS 700 billion, fully funded by domestic resources, the bridge is a historic feat and a vital new gateway for travel, trade, and tourism.
By eliminating the decades-old reliance on ferries across the Mwanza Gulf, the bridge opens up seamless access to key tourist destinations in Tanzania’s Lake Zone, including Rubondo Island National Park, Saanane Island, the cultural heritage sites of Sukuma land, and nearby wildlife reserves. For international visitors, the bridge simplifies overland travel from Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo encouraging multi-country East African safari circuits.
During the launch, President Samia noted that this infrastructure project is not only the fulfillment of the late President Magufuli’s vision but also a testament to Tanzania’s capacity to implement transformative projects using its own resources. She emphasized the bridge’s role as a “great liberator” for communities previously affected by transport delays, noting that easier mobility will directly benefit tourism by enabling faster movement of travelers, tour operators, and supplies across the region.
The bridge also creates opportunities for the growth of cultural tourism, lake excursions, and community-based tourism initiatives, offering travelers deeper access to untapped destinations around Lake Victoria. President Samia called on local communities to take full advantage of this improved connectivity, encouraging them to enhance production, improve services, and develop tourism-friendly businesses such as lodges, guides, and craft markets.
Additionally, President Samia highlighted that since 2021, her government has completed nine major bridges nationwide and is progressing with seven more to link strategic tourism corridors. She also used the occasion to launch the Lamadi Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project and lay the foundation for a climate adaptation initiative in the Simiyu Region further enhancing the infrastructure needed to support sustainable and resilient tourism growth.
The bridge named in honor of the late President John Pombe Magufuli represents a long-awaited solution to decades of transport challenges. Originally envisioned to enhance trade and development, its impact on the tourism sector is expected to be just as significant. With smoother access to remote attractions and regional travel routes, the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge is set to become a symbol not just of connectivity, but of Tanzania’s growing appeal as a top-tier tourism destination in Africa.