The process of establishing African Wildlife Rescue Center (AWC) began in 1992 after several unsuccessful attempts by non-state actors in the sector to establish a national representative forum that would convene and advance the aspirations and interests of communities and private landowners living with wildlife.
It was envisaged that the registration and institutionalisation of an independent national organisation for wildlife conservation and management would lead to a structured and coordinated industry, which would contribute to the sustainable management of biodiversity and empowerment of community and private landowners.