Its mission is to bring together people with a scholarly and professional interest in Africa. The ASA also provides useful services to the Africanist community. Currently four periodicals and several occasional publications are produced annually. With 3,000 individual and 600 institutional members, the Association is the leading North American organization which promotes African Studies.
Most members are teachers and researchers associated with institutions of higher learning.
Membership includes individuals with careers in international development and health, foreign affairs, government service, K-12 teachers and church or social work. Anyone interested in the scholarly study of Africa is welcome in the Association. The latter two are non- voting members. Members of the Board of Directors are elected to three-year terms. The Board meets biannually in the Fall and Spring.