The idea of establishing the Association was born when a number of heads of senates, councils, and equivalent councils from several Arab and African countries met in the French capital, Paris, on March 14, 2000. This meeting took place on the sidelines of a gathering of the Association of European Senates hosted by the French Senate at that time. During the meeting, the participants discussed the idea of creating a similar entity that would bring together the Arab and African regions. The idea rapidly took shape and became firmly entrenched in the minds of heads of African and Arab councils/ senates after they became convinced of its validity and its future impact on the promotion of Afro-Arab relations.

The Arab and African regions share common characteristics in terms of their historical, geographical, social, cultural, economic, and shared struggles and destinies. They also face similar challenges related to comprehensive and sustainable development. Additionally, they possess the necessary capabilities and resources for development and progress.

As a result of their conviction in the validity of the idea, they proceeded to hold a series of consultative meetings. The first of these was held in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, from February 21- 23, 2001, during which the outlines of the new parliamentary entity were discussed. Then, the heads of the councils/ senates held another meeting in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, from June 6- 7, 2002. This meeting was attended by the heads of the following Senates, Shoora, and equivalent councils: 

 The aforementioned senates/ councils are considered the "founders of the Association." In this constituent meeting, the idea of the Association became crystal clear. The attendees agreed to establish an entity called the "Association of Senates, Shoora, and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World ( ASSECAA).

 Two years later, the heads and representatives of Senates, Shoora and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World held a meeting in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, from April 25-29, 2004. During this meeting, which was considered the foundational conference during which the establishment of the ASSECAA was officially declared. The Statute and Rules of Procedure of the Association were approved, and a General Secretariat was established with its headquarters in Sana'a. At the same time, a Secretary-General of the Association was elected, along with two Assistant Secretaries-General- one representing the Arab region and the other representing the African region.

The establishment of ASSECAA, particularly in terms of timing and objectives, represented a cultural embodiment of what the Arab and African regions actually represent; as their historical and cultural relationships were woven by ancestors over past centuries. Both Arabs and Africans view each other as an integral part of their history, present and future.

 The importance of the Association lies in the fact that it's the only unique organization that brings together Arab and African legislative institutions within its framework. It also plays a crucial role in bridging Arab-African relations and supporting their programs aimed at contributing to preparing governments and peoples in Africa and the Arab world to transition from the stage of acquaintance, harmony, and fraternity to that of solidarity, cooperation, partnership, and integration in order to achieve common interests.

 The Association places at the forefront of its priorities the encouragement, support, and enhancement of bicameralism and promoting cooperation in economic, political, social, and cultural fields between African and Arab countries. It also emphasizes the exchange of experiences in areas such as participatory democracy, good governance, women's empowerment, protection of civil society organizations, human rights, and consultation on issues related to common interests at the local and international levels, in addition to making necessary, relevant recommendations. 

 Later on, several Senates, Shoora, and equivalent councils in Africa and the Arab world have joined ASSECAA. Currently, the Association comprises the following member councils/ senates: