This introductory chapter lays the foundation of the book and provides background on the state of African borders from the past to the present. Equally, the COVID-19 pandemic, which has attempted to redefine borders globally, is brought into the discourse to showcase the dynamic changes it brings to African borders in relation to border management, migration, trade and other cross-border activities. Case-specific examples from diverse perspectives are delved into in succeeding chapters, as highlighted under the organisation and structure of the book.