Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday inaugurated the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge, a major infrastructure project built by Chinese companies under the Belt and Road Initiative. Located on the southern shore of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, the bridge spans 4.66 kilometers and features a dual four-lane carriageway. Built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Railway 15th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., the 520-meter-long main section is a three-tower, low-pylon cable-stayed structure.
The opening of the bridge marks the end of nearly 60 years of ferry operations between Busisi and Kigongo, offering local residents a long-awaited alternative.
Officials have said that the bridge is expected to significantly ease travel and logistics, improve transport efficiency, and boost regional development.
"I believe when this bridge comes to open, it will become an important link. It will promote the national development, improve the life of people here and people lives nearby, logistics, transportation of vehicles, goods and efficiency of the transportation," said Katelula Salum Kaswaga, an official of Tanzania National Roads Agency.
In recent years, China and Tanzania have deepened cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative, with projects in railways, bridges, and water infrastructure helping to transform the country. Many in Tanzania see the initiative as a major driver of development across Africa.
China-built John Pombe Magufuli Bridge inaugurated in Tanzania
Visitors can now experience firsthand how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping future lifestyles at the newly opened AI Matrix Store "MetAI Hub" in Shanghai's Zhangjiang AI Innovation Town.
Opened on May 11, the nearly 2,000-square-meter space features more than 500 AI products from 100 brands. Unlike traditional "display-only" technology venues, the store encourages visitors to touch, test, and interact with the latest AI products.
The store houses six themed zones, including a curated product space, makers' workshops, and an AI health area. One of the most popular attractions is an AI health screening system that generates a rapid health assessment report within 90 seconds using non-contact sensing technology.
The store also functions as a makerspace for innovators, helping startups test products in real-life scenarios and shorten the time it takes to turn a concept into reality.
"Here we can see the advanced processing equipment, including 3D printer and laser engraver. We also have a highly experienced technical team that helps One-Person Companies quickly bring their ideas to life and conduct model testing," said Lan Chaoxiang, head of the Maker Area of MetAI Hub.
In addition, the AI Matrix Store aims to serve as a global launch platform for AI products and a gateway for startups expanding overseas.
"When their products are still in the prototype stage, we will build a complete funding mechanism for producers, allowing many global geeks to get a sneak peek. We also hope to combine online and offline channels for this overseas expansion platform," said Zhao Tongyang, an executive at the store.
Zhao said the store will be developed into an AI ecosystem center rather than a traditional retail outlet, combining experience, commerce, incubation, and social interaction.
Visitors explore future lifestyles at newly opened AI store in Shanghai
