Participants at the third Abidjan Border Forum have called on African governments and regional institutions to strengthen cross-border trade, invest in shared infrastructure and place border communities at the centre of regional integration efforts.
The recommendations were set out in the Abidjan Declaration at the closing ceremony on Thursday. Held under the theme “Border Communities: Culture, Integration and Security,” the forum focused on the role of border populations in promoting regional cooperation and development.
The declaration urges the African Union (AU) to encourage member states that have not yet done so to ratify the Niamey Convention, the bloc’s framework for cross-border cooperation.
Participants also called on regional organisations to support cross-border infrastructure projects, local trade and income-generating activities, while increasing funding for development initiatives in border areas.
The recommendations urge national governments to give border communities a greater role in economic and social development policies, promote cultural exchanges and expand academic training and research on border governance.
They also propose establishing professional networks for journalists covering border issues and creating an international award for outstanding university research on border governance.
Ivorian Foreign Minister Nialé Kaba, who represented Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé at the closing ceremony, described the Abidjan Declaration as a framework for turning the forum’s conclusions into concrete and lasting action.
She said priorities should include improving living conditions in border communities, facilitating trade, preventing conflicts and coordinating the management of shared natural resources.
Kaba also encouraged local authorities to develop joint projects, urged technical and financial partners to support sustainable initiatives and called on the private sector to contribute to wealth and job creation.
The recommendations come amid broader efforts across Africa to improve border management, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and strengthen cooperation against security threats, including trafficking and organised crime.
The forum brought together policymakers, regional organisations, researchers and other stakeholders to discuss ways to improve border management and promote shared development.
Its programme also highlighted innovation through pan-African hackathons and awards recognising initiatives in cross-border cooperation, media and education.
The main challenge now is implementation. The declaration sets out priorities for governments and regional institutions, but its impact will depend on funding, political commitment and the ability to translate the recommendations into practical projects that benefit communities living along Africa’s borders.