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The $125 billion suspension bridge: Construction that will connect Africa and Asia over 32 km over the Red Sea

Written by Bruno Teles
Published 21/12/2024 às 17:58
The $125 billion suspension bridge: Construction that will connect Africa and Asia over 32 km over the Red Sea
The bridge will be built with high-strength steel cables, supporting a 32-kilometer span over the Red Sea, with 700-meter-high piers to allow the passage of large ships. The structure will have six vehicle lanes and a railway line, designed to support daily traffic of 100 vehicles and 50 passengers.

At 32 kilometers long and 700 meters high, the world's longest suspension bridge promises to revolutionize global transportation, linking Djibouti and Yemen with six lanes of highway, railway tracks and two modern cities for millions of people.

A suspension bridge so large that it connects two continents, spanning the vast Red Sea. That’s the plan for the Bridge of the Horns, a $125 billion project that promises to transform Djibouti and Yemen into gateways between Africa and Asia. At an impressive 32 miles long and 700 feet high, this bridge is not just a construction; it’s a statement of ambition and innovation.

Why is this so important? This physical connection between the continents can speed up trade, create opportunities and rewrite the rules of global geopolitics. It is a vision that defies limits and dreams of shaping the future.

Technical characteristics of the construction of the Horns Bridge

The bridge would link Africa to the Middle East across the Red Sea
The bridge would link Africa to the Middle East across the Red Sea

At 32 kilometers long, the Horn Bridge will be the longest suspension bridge in the world. Its structure was designed to withstand heavy traffic, accommodating up to 100 vehicles and 50 train passengers daily. And the most incredible thing? At 400 meters above sea level, the bridge will allow the passage of gigantic ships, ensuring that maritime trade across the Red Sea continues to flow.

The construction was planned with functionality in mind: six highway lanes and a rail line that will serve both passenger and freight transport. This integration makes the bridge a strategic solution for connecting economies and people.

Al-Noor Cities

Two new urban hubs will emerge around the bridge, known as the Al-Noor Cities (Cities of Light). In Djibouti, one city will be home to 2,5 million people. In Yemen, another will accommodate 4,5 million. These cities are designed as development hubs, with modern infrastructure, affordable housing and room to grow.

This urban planning is not just about buildings; it is about creating vibrant communities where people can live, work and thrive.

Economic and geopolitical benefits of construction

The Horn Bridge promises to transform the region’s economic dynamics. By connecting Africa and Asia, the project will open new trade routes and reduce transportation costs. In addition, the construction and development of the Al-Noor cities is expected to generate thousands of jobs, stimulating economic growth.

In the geopolitical arena, the bridge strengthens the strategic position of Djibouti and Yemen, making them key points for global trade. It is as if these nations were placed on an international stage, ready to play important roles in the future.

But it’s not as simple as it sounds. Construction faces significant logistical challenges, including the need for new highways in cities such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Jeddah. In addition, the governments of Djibouti and Yemen still need to approve the plan.

High costs and environmental issues are also stumbling blocks. Building something of this magnitude requires more than money; it requires political commitment and international collaboration.

Sheikh Tarek Bin Laden, the visionary behind the project, calls the Horns Bridge “the envy of the world.” He sees it as a model for 98 other ambitious projects, including cities in Syria, Egypt and Sudan.

If this bridge becomes a reality, it will be more than a physical connection. It will be a symbol of innovation, showing that with vision and courage, we can overcome any barrier – even an entire sea.

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Francisco Fortes Filho
Francisco Fortes Filho
22/12/2024 12:06

The first major project that should be carried out in Africa would be the construction of the Ingá Hydroelectric Power Plant on the Congo River. This project will transform the African continent, boosting the economies of the countries and improving the living conditions of the populations that have always been exploited by the great powers.

This project could even bring energy to Europe. The countries that exploited and still take advantage of Africa have an obligation to repair the injustices committed against the poor countries of Africa. Africa is the most well-located continent, in the middle of the other continents. It is practically connected to Europe and still remains the poorest and most backward.

Therefore, the rich oais should create projects that will take Africa out of the extreme poverty threshold and into a minimum of infrastructure for the development of the region.

Brito
Brito
In reply to  Francisco Fortes Filho
23/12/2024 17:49

Well said

NDIOGOU Osman DIENE
NDIOGOU Osman DIENE
23/12/2024 22:53

Serious journalism does what is expected of its writers: intellectual honesty. Bruno Telles is bringing to Brazil what is lacking in our daily lives: reporting focused on the economic reality of those who until now were only seen in these parts as pariahs of the West. His perception and description of the events on the African continent reveal something impactful, contrary to the sensationalist and fanciful news that brings no benefit to Brazilian economic society regarding the search for and construction of partnerships as everyone does in the globalized world. Brazilian businesspeople must have access to the information of this talented journalist Bruno Telles. It is high time. A nation cannot shut itself away and ignore its neighbors. After all, without Africa there would be no Brazil.

Bruno Teles

I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I update daily about opportunities in the Brazilian market. With more than 3.000 articles published in CPG. Agenda suggestion? Send it to brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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