The purpose of Association of Schools of Social Work in Africa (ASSWA) is to promote the interests of social work education in African region. The objectives of the Association include:

1. To provide opportunities for consultation and exchange of ideas, educational resources, faculty and students

2. To serve as a body for channelling resources to social work educational institutions in the region

3. To promote inter-regional, regional and international co-operation in social work education.

The association strives to uphold the social work values, principles and human rights of all people and social justice.

The composition of ASSWA includes schools of social work, other tertiary level social work educational programmes, and social work educators.