China-built John Pombe Magufuli Bridge inaugurated in Tanzania

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

China's National Cultural Heritage Administration on Monday briefed the media on the Archaeological Work Plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan Period (2026-2030), highlighting early civilization research and international archaeological cooperation.

The plan specifies that, building on the existing 21 major projects under the "Archaeology China" national initiative, China will continue to focus on issues including the origins of agriculture and early society, models of civilization origin, and the formation of early states.

The sixth phase of the Chinese Civilization Origins Project will further study the civilization processes and histories of interaction and exchange in northwest, southwest, and south China.

The Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 B.C.) -Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 B.C.) Civilization Research Project will continue to focus on key archaeological sites of the eras, including world-renown Erlitou, Yinxu, and Sanxingdui sites.

In addition to domestic efforts, the administration also highlighted international archaeological cooperation, with the Belt and Road countries among the priorities.

China unveils archaeological work plan for 15th Five-Year Plan period