AAAWE-SA was established in February 2015 as a not-for-profit Professional Association that aims to increase the representation of South African-based women economists in academia, business and government. It is the only organization in South Africa that focuses on building the capacity of South African women economists. AAAWE-SA advances the scholarship of its members by creating opportunities for networking, mentoring, and facilitating the creation and the sharing of knowledge among members.
As of June 2019, there are 100 members drawn from academia, business, government, think tanks, international organizations and non-governmental organizations.