This two-volume work examines emerging issues in border studies of contemporary African societies. Borders across African regions call for analysis of borders as dynamic processes rather than static social structures. The volumes introduce a series of concepts (Volume I) and case studies (Volume II) that play a significant role in contemporary debates on borders and mobilities, or that highlight aspects that have previously been overlooked.

Bringing together leading scholars, activists, and practitioners, the volumes develop a toolbox for contemporary Africa that not only adapts concepts and epistemologies of borders and mobilities to current transformations but also examines shifting power relations in global migration and bordering regimes. Emphasizing African-centered knowledge production and South–South scholarly dialogue, the chapters generate new terminology, imaginaries, and research pathways through collaboration across African academia.

At once theoretically ambitious and empirically grounded, the collection situates African borders within wider debates on globalization, governance, and social change, while maintaining close attention to lived realities in border zones. It will be essential reading for scholars and students in African studies, migration and border studies, geography, anthropology, and political science.

Natalia Ribas-Mateos is Visiting Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics, UK.

Papa Sow is Senior Researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala, Sweden.

Henri Yambene Bomono is Senior Researcher at the Ministry of Research, Cameroon.