The Salesians’ mission in Africa and Madagascar began with the launching of Project Africa by Don Egidio Viganò in 1980. However, it is worth knowing that even before 1980, the Salesian Charism gradually progressed in some African countries. In the Letter of the Rector Major – AGC 399, Don Pascual Chávez reminds us that the first Salesian Oratory was opened in Oran Algeria in 1891 which the Salesians left in 1976 due to the hostile political climate.

Another presence in North Africa was opened and this time in Tunisia in 1894, Mozambique in 1907 which was for a short time and re-opened in 1952, in Belgian Congo in 1911; this mission grew and bore abundant fruits resulting to the creation of the Province of Central Africa in 1959 and the Vice Province of Africa Great Lakes in 2006. At the death of Don Rua in 1910 Salesian seeds began to sprout in Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa, and Mozambique. These different missions continued until the official launch of Project Africa in 1980 by Don Egidio Viganò.

Presently, the Region is made up of 6 Provinces: ANN, AOS, AFC, AFE, AON, TZA; 9 Vice Provinces: AET, ACC, AGL, ATE, ANG, MOZ, MDG, ZMB, AFM; there are 4 delegations in the Region: Delegation of AET Eritrea); AFC (EST), AFE-SUD, AON (Senegal, Guinea Conakry and Gambia). The Salesians in the region are working in about 41 countries with many educative and pastoral activities being carried out.

The CIVAM (Conferenza Ispettorie-Visitatorie Africa Madagascar), is the interprovincial conference for Salesians in Africa and Madagascar; it was officially established by the Rector Major in 2002.
Key points about CIVAM:
Full name: Conferenza Ispettorie-Visitatorie Africa Madagascar
Region: Africa and Madagascar
Purpose: To facilitate collaboration and coordination between Salesian Provinces and Vice-Provinces in the region
Establishment year: 2002