Maputo–Katembe Bridge (Maputo Bay Bridge)
Africa's longest suspension bridge, spanning 3 km across Maputo Bay to connect Mozambique's capital to its southern hinterland.
The Maputo–Katembe Bridge, officially the Maputo Bay Bridge, is a cable-stayed bridge spanning Maputo Bay in Mozambique. At approximately 3,000 metres in total length with a main span of 680 metres and a clearance of 60 metres above the water, it is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in Africa. Built by China Road and Bridge Corporation at a cost of around $785 million (including approach roads), the bridge was inaugurated in November 2018. It connects the capital Maputo to the Katembe district and onward to South Africa, replacing a ferry that could take hours.
- 01Provide a permanent road link between Maputo city and the Katembe/Matutuíne district
- 02Eliminate dependence on the slow and limited Maputo Bay ferry service
- 03Open southern Mozambique to tourism and economic development
- 04Improve road connectivity to South Africa via the EN1 highway
- 05Stimulate urban development and land value in the Katembe area
- 06Reduce travel time from several hours by ferry to minutes by road
2014 · completed
Construction Begins
China Road and Bridge Corporation commenced construction following a $785 million contract with the Mozambican government.
2017 · completed
Bridge Deck Connected
The final deck section was installed, connecting the Maputo side to the Katembe side across Maputo Bay.
2018 · completed
Official Inauguration
President Filipe Nyusi inaugurated the bridge on 10 November 2018, opening it to public traffic.
2019 · completed
Toll Operations Begin
Electronic and manual toll systems were activated to help service the project's debt.
2020 · completed
Traffic Growth
Daily crossings steadily increased as Katembe development accelerated and South Africa connectivity improved.
Construction Contractor
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC)
Designed and constructed the bridge, approach roads, and associated infrastructure.
Financing
China Exim Bank
Provided the majority of financing through a loan to the Government of Mozambique.
Project Owner
Government of Mozambique
National government that commissioned and owns the bridge infrastructure.
Development Authority
Empresa de Desenvolvimento de Maputo Sul (EDMS)
The entity managing Katembe area development linked to the bridge project.
- Cable-stayed bridge design with twin pylons
- 680 m main span with 60 m navigation clearance
- Deep-water pile foundation engineering
- Approach viaducts on both shores
- Modern highway toll collection system
- Wind and seismic-resistant structural design
What it means for the community
The bridge has transformed connectivity for over 2 million residents in the greater Maputo area, reducing cross-bay travel from 1-2 hours by ferry to under 10 minutes. Land values in Katembe have increased significantly, and the bridge has opened a direct road route to South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, boosting regional trade and tourism. The construction phase employed over 3,700 workers, the majority Mozambican.
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- Government of Mozambique
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