Bridges are more than structures made of concrete and steel. Across Africa, they serve as vital links between cities, communities and economic centres, supporting trade, transportation and the daily movement of millions of people.
As of 2026, these are five of the longest bridges on the African continent:
1. 6th October Bridge — Egypt
Length: Approximately 20.5 kilometres
Located in Cairo, the 6th October Bridge is widely regarded as the longest bridge in Africa. The massive elevated roadway stretches through the heart of the Egyptian capital, crossing the Nile River and connecting several major parts of the city.
Constructed in phases over several decades, the bridge has become one of Cairo’s most important transport corridors. It carries a huge volume of traffic every day, providing a crucial route for commuters navigating the densely populated city.
2. Third Mainland Bridge — Nigeria
Length: Approximately 11.8 kilometres
Located in Lagos, the Third Mainland Bridge is the longest bridge in West Africa and one of Nigeria’s most important transportation routes.
The bridge connects Lagos Island with the mainland, crossing the Lagos Lagoon and linking residential, commercial and business districts. Since it was opened in 1990, it has played a major role in the movement of workers, businesses and other road users across Lagos.
Its strategic importance has made it one of the most recognisable landmarks in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
3. Suez Canal Bridge — Egypt
Length: Approximately 3.9 kilometres
Also known as the Mubarak Peace Bridge, the Suez Canal Bridge crosses the Suez Canal and connects mainland Egypt with the Sinai Peninsula.
Beyond its importance to transportation within Egypt, the bridge has strategic significance because of its location along one of the world’s most important waterways. It provides an important land connection between Africa and Asia.
4. Mozambique Island Bridge — Mozambique
Length: Approximately 3.8 kilometres
The Mozambique Island Bridge connects the mainland to Mozambique Island, a historic destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The bridge has made access to the island easier for residents, visitors and businesses, while supporting tourism and economic activity in the area. Its connection to the historic island also makes it an important piece of infrastructure for the region.
5. Dona Ana Bridge — Mozambique
Length: Approximately 3.7 kilometres
The Dona Ana Bridge spans the Zambezi River in Mozambique and serves as an important transportation link between communities on either side of the river.
The bridge has played a significant role in improving connectivity and facilitating the movement of people and goods across the region. Its strategic position over the Zambezi makes it one of Mozambique’s major pieces of transport infrastructure.
Africa’s Bridge Network
From Cairo to Lagos and Mozambique, these bridges demonstrate the scale of infrastructure that supports movement and economic activity across Africa.
Beyond their impressive lengths, they serve a much bigger purpose: connecting people, opening up communities and keeping trade and transportation moving.
