The Abidjan Border Forum 2026 will take place under the theme "Les peuples aux frontières: culture, intégration et sécurité" (Peoples at the Borders: Culture, Integration, and Security). This event aims to foster integrated governance of African borders. The forum is co-organized by Côte d'Ivoire and the African Union (AU). It aligns with the 2014 Niamey Convention on trans-border cooperation and the AU's 2020 Strategy for Integrated Border Governance.
The Abidjan Border Forum was first held in 2022, focusing on "frontières et sécurité collective en Afrique" (borders and collective security in Africa). The second edition took place in 2024, with the theme "Frontières vertes: entre ressources naturelles partagées et défis de sécurité" (Green Borders: Between Shared Natural Resources and Security Challenges). In 2025, the AU officially institutionalized the forum as a continental platform for reflection and action on border governance.
The upcoming ABF 2026 seeks to highlight the role of border communities in promoting socio-economic integration, intercultural exchange, and sustainable development. These communities, often characterized by their mobility and traditional know-how, play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in border areas. The forum will address pressing issues such as trans-border mobility, informal trade, climate migration, and the participation of women and youth in border management.
According to the African Union, there are 177 trans-border ethnic groups in Africa, illustrating the complex socio-cultural dynamics at play in border regions. The forum aims to harness the potential of these communities to foster greater cooperation and understanding among nations. By promoting a more integrated approach to border governance, the event hopes to contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable security solutions.
The Abidjan Border Forum 2026 is expected to bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the continent to share experiences and best practices in border governance. The event will provide a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by trans-border cooperation and for identifying concrete solutions to pressing issues.
Some of the specific themes to be addressed during the forum include the security of border areas, climate migration, and the role of women and youth in promoting peace and stability. The event will also examine the economic potential of border regions and explore ways to harness this potential for sustainable development.
Ultimately, the Abidjan Border Forum 2026 aims to promote a more nuanced understanding of the complex issues surrounding border governance in Africa. By fostering greater cooperation and collaboration among nations, the event hopes to contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing border communities.
Key points
- The Abidjan Border Forum 2026 will focus on promoting integrated governance of African borders.
- The event aims to harness the potential of border communities to foster greater cooperation and understanding among nations.
- The forum will address pressing issues such as trans-border mobility, informal trade, and climate migration.
