The Geological Society of Africa (GSAf) was established in 1973 to encourage geoscientific collaboration and cooperation across the continent.

Its main objectives are:

• to promote understanding of the earth sciences and improve standards of earth science education and research in Africa;
• to provide a forum for discussion and dissemination of information across national boundaries between scientists, associations and institutions engaged in African geology and earth resources;
• to promote the development and sustainable management of the continent's earth resources, to advance its socio-economic development; and
• to improve natural hazards assessment and disaster mitigation.

GSAf is run by an elected Council led by its President who is supported closely by a Secretary General and an Honorary Treasurer. These officials are in turn supported by the Council Members, comprising five Regional Vice-Presidents representing Northern, East, West, Central and Southern Africa, five Councillors elected to strengthen the regional structure and transnational objectives and programmes of the Society an Assistant Secretary General and an Editor. Council elections take place every three years during the Society's major triennial international conferences.

The Society is affiliated to the International Union of Geological Sciences . It supports the establishment of national geological societies and the development of close links with other national associations. Through its membership and its affiliated societies, it assists and promotes training courses, workshops and conferences. It also participates, through its membership, in international research programmes in Africa and is particularly concerned with the application of geoscience to mitigate the social and economic problems affecting the continent. The Society issues a newsletter to its members and contributions are always welcomed by the Editor.

A review of the Society's objectives and achievements and its aspirations for the new millennium is given by its President, Prof. Sospeter Muhongo (address below) in 'Episodes', Vol. 19, no.3 (September 1996).

Membership of the Society is open to individuals and institutions and new mebers are always welcomed. It is aimed particularly at practising earth scientists and companies working in Africa and others with interests in African geology and related subjects, including training, development and environmental issues. Inquiries should be made in the first instance to the key officials as shown below.