Identity · Belonging · Community
Who we are, and why belonging matters.
African professionals across Australia bring expertise, leadership, cultural knowledge, professional experience and ambition into every sector. APA exists to connect that capability.
We connect African professionals to people, pathways and resources that support professional growth, leadership, enterprise, community and contribution across Australia.
Our mission
We connect African professionals to people, pathways and resources that help them grow, lead and give back.
We do this through professional community, chapters, programs, mentoring, events, stories, partnerships and opportunities to contribute.
We strategically employ the power of creativity, teamwork and the diversity of our membership to drive our vision. We offer various Professional Development Programs, Leadership Training, Mentorship, and Workplace Experience Programs to hundreds of our members annually.
Identity
Professional capability and cultural identity do not need to be separated to belong.
African professionals are not one profession, one generation, one migration story or one experience. Our community includes people shaped by different countries, industries, career stages and journeys. APA creates a shared professional space where those differences can exist without reducing people to them.
Identity
Bring your professional and cultural self into the same space.
Expertise
Share skills, professional knowledge and sector experience.
Experience
Recognise that careers are shaped by local, international, professional and lived experience.
Contribution
Use what you know to strengthen opportunities for others.
Connecting people, pathways and resources.
How the community works.
01
Programs
Create opportunities for learning, professional development and participation.
02
03
04
Volunteers
Contribute time, knowledge and professional capability to the community.
05
Our identity
Professional capability and cultural identity belong in the same room.
APA recognises professional expertise, cultural knowledge, international and Australian experience, entrepreneurial capability and community responsibility as connected strengths.
1,000+
Bring your whole professional self.
20+
Find people, pathways and support.
1,500
Grow, contribute and open doors.
4,700+
Local connection through chapters.
Our story
From one community to a national network.
APA’s history shows how the community has developed over time. Every published milestone should be supported by an approved source.
’07
Incorporated in Western Australia
APA is incorporated in WA on 18 November 2007 as an association for Western Australians, laying the foundation for a new community.
’11
New South Wales chapter launches
On 16 June 2011, APA officially launches the NSW Chapter in Sydney, beginning its nationwide expansion in response to popular demand.
’12
A company — and a new chapter
In April 2012, APA migrates to a Company Limited by Guarantee, launches the Victoria Chapter and introduces corporate memberships.
’15
Queensland chapter launches
APA’s network expands into the sunshine state with the launch of the QLD Chapter in Brisbane on 26 March 2015.
Now
A national community, still growing
Today APA has six active chapters — WA, NSW, VIC, QLD, TAS and SA — and more than 1,000 professionals supported in 2025–26.
Milestone dates as recorded by APA. Being confirmed against the association’s incorporation and chapter records.
Leadership
The people supporting APA
APA is supported by volunteers across national leadership, chapter leadership, committees and other roles. Publish only current, approved officeholders and responsibilities.
Your next step
Find your place in APA.
You do not need to know the whole organisation before becoming part of the community. Start with where you are, what you need and how you would like to participate.