COTONOU-

Following the successful African Borderlands Research Network (ABORNE) Conference 2026, held at the Marriott Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria, from 24–28 August 2026, participants moved from strategic discussions to practical borderland exploration with a unique water journey connecting Lagos, Nigeria, and Porto-Novo, Benin Republic.

The ABORNE Conference, themed “The Connected Borderlands: Socio-Cultural Integration and the Centrality of Policy, Research and Security,” brought together about 300 delegates from across the world for strategic deliberations on the opportunities, challenges and future of global land borders where AITEC World was represented by Amb. Kazeem Balogun, Vice President on Communications and International Relations.

On the last day,, 28 August 2026, more than 40 delegates representing 15 countries embarked on a practical exploration of the Nigeria–Benin border through the waterways, travelling from Lagos to Porto-Novo. The journey offered participants an opportunity to experience firsthand the connectivity, cultural linkages and economic possibilities that exist across the two neighbouring countries.

Upon arrival in Porto-Novo, the delegation was received by the President of Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World), Ambassador Dine Bouraima, alongside the Mayor of Porto-Novo, Mr. Rachad Toukourou and the AITEC World National Representative for Benin Republic, Dr. Olanma Ojukwu.

Representing AITEC World Nigeria was the National Representative, His Excellency Dr. Anthony Elumelu, who joined Prof. Olatunji Azeez, Prof. Willie and other distinguished delegates from across the world for the historic Lagos–Porto-Novo water tour.

The visit to Porto-Novo provided an important platform for dialogue and engagement around tourism, investment, business development, waterfront development and cross-border economic cooperation.

The delegation was received by the Mayor of Porto-Novo, who highlighted the city’s growing investment opportunities and its potential as a destination for tourism, business and international partnerships. Delegates also had the opportunity to explore Porto-Novo’s promising waterfront tourism and investment potential, further demonstrating how border communities can transform shared natural assets into engines of sustainable economic development.

For AITEC World, the engagement represents another practical demonstration of its commitment to strengthening African connectivity, tourism cooperation, investment linkages and cross-border partnerships.

The Lagos–Porto-Novo water exploration also underscored the strategic importance of waterways as channels of connectivity between African communities and markets. Beyond transportation, such corridors can facilitate tourism development, cultural exchange, trade, investment and stronger people-to-people relationships.

The engagement further demonstrates the importance of strategic leadership, international networking and practical exploration in positioning African destinations for meaningful global partnerships and investment opportunities.

As ABORNE continues to advance research and dialogue on borderlands, the Lagos–Porto-Novo experience offered a compelling reminder that Africa’s borders should not only be viewed as dividing lines, but also as bridges for tourism, culture, trade, investment and shared prosperity.