Professional archaeologists have a crucial role to play in studying, preserving and promoting our archaeological heritage. The origins of ASAPA lie with the Southern African Association of Archaeologists (SA3), which was established in 1970 to encourage the training of archaeologists and to promote archaeological heritage in Southern Africa.

In response to the changing status of archaeology and the increasing professionalisation of its practitioners, the membership of SA3 decided to become a formal professional body in 2004. Today, the association's membership comprises over 300 professional archaeologists and others in related fields, based in Southern Africa and beyond.

As a professional body, ASAPA is committed to the development of archaeological research, management (including conservation, curation, archaeotourism and restoration), outreach and the exchange of archaeological expertise and information, in and beyond Southern Africa.