Africa has joined Europe, America and Australia in launching its own members’ organisation for association managers. The Africa Association Management Centre (AAMC) will provide a platform for association executives across the continent to share knowledge and best practice.

Similar bodies include ASAE, the American Society of Association Executives, ESAE, the European equivalent and AuSAE, the counterpart organisation in Australia.

Nicanor Sabula, CEO, East Africa Association of Grantmakers, Nairobi, Kenya, was the driving force behind the initiative, and with the catalyst of an ICCA, International Congress and Convention Association, African Chapter workshop in Nairobi last year and the Association Lekgotia at this year’s Meetings Africa in Johannesburg, the AAMC has submitted its constitution for registration.

“It is such a relief to learn that I am not a lone ranger in the challenges that I face in my association,” said Sabula, who wants to increase the number of international conferences held in Africa.“It is unfortunate that Africa is currently missing out on opportunities to host large international conventions. We hope to work with meetings industry players such as ICCA to ensure that association managers are well equipped and have the requisite capacity to bid for international meetings and host them successfully.”

The AAMC will be based in Nairobi.

Pictured: Nicanor Sabula