The African Regional Section was formally approved by the IAVS Governing Council in July 2021. It is an association open to everyone who is a vegetation science researcher originally from the African continent carrying out vegetation research in Africa. Membership is open to all persons free of charge and a membership to IAVS is optional. The overall goal of the association is to bring together African researchers and researchers from elsewhere working in Africa to enhance collaborative work for mutual benefits. The specific objectives include: to promote research on African vegetation, encourage local, regional and international collaborations between vegetation researchers interested in Africa; to increase participation of African vegetation scientists in IAVS; to nurture young African vegetation scientists; to foster communication and collaboration among African vegetation sciences on one hand and with those in other parts of the world; to promote organization of symposia and field trips among African vegetation scientists; and to create platforms for sharing data among African vegetation scientists.

The main objectives of the IAVS-African Section include:

• developing and advancing research on any aspect of African vegetation;
• encouraging vegetation scientists of all specialties and levels of seniority working in Africa to join IAVS and become involved in its activities;
• supporting and nurturing young African vegetation scientists;
• encouraging and aiding communication among its members;
• fostering communication and collaboration between African vegetation scientists and those in other parts of the world;
• supporting activities such as symposia and field trips of interest to vegetation scientists that focus on Africa;
• creating a platform for uploading and sharing data for the common use of African vegetation scientists