Africa Centre was founded in the year 2000 by a group of activists in the African immigrant community who wanted the community to have a voice and promote their active participation in Irish society. The organisation was officially launched in October 2001 by the then South African Ambassador to Ireland, Ms Melanie Verweord and Mr. Niall Crowley, former Chief Executive Officer of the Equality Authority.

The organisation is a registered Company limited by guarantee under the legal name of 'Africa Solidarity Centre Limited' and it is operating as ‘Africa Centre’.

Africa Centre is also a registered charity, with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, under registration number CHY 14980. This status grants the Centre tax exemption, which applies to income Tax/Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax as well as to the income and property of the organisation.