The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Southern Africa (AHK Southern Africa) is part of the worldwide network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) with 140 locations in 92 countries. It was founded in 1952 and since then has supported around 600 member companies in their international business as an important platform for bilateral economic exchange.

AHKs in Germany are closely linked to the network of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs). Together, IHKs and AHKs support German companies in establishing and expanding their business relations with foreign countries.

The umbrella organisation of the IHKs is the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), which also coordinates and supports the AHK network.

The close cooperation with the German trade associations also ensures that the AHKs are networked close to the companies and markets.

Based on a resolution of the German Bundestag, the AHKs are pro rata supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy.