Founded on 15 January 1973 after the 2nd All-Africa Games in Lagos (Nigeria), it represents the national handball associations of Africa under the supervision of the International Handball Federation (IHF).

The founding congress took place on January 15, 1973, in Lagos, Nigeria, during the 2nd All-Africa Games.

It was attended by Alberto de San Roman (Spain), the vice-president of the International Handball Federation.

The committee, which had done all the preparation work, was awarded with executive functions within the confederation.

Dr. Salem Nabil became president, and Babacar Fall became secretary general.