The charism of the Society of African Missions (S.M.A.) is to serve Christ through missionary work in Africa, particularly by preaching the Gospel, fostering local Church development, and ministering to the spiritual and social needs of African communities. Members — priests and brothers — commit themselves to evangelization, pastoral care, education, health care, and social justice initiatives, while living in community life rooted in prayer, simplicity, and solidarity with the people they serve. The S.M.A. emphasizes inculturation, respect for African cultures, and formation of local clergy and lay leaders, bringing Christ’s love to those on the margins

The Society of African Missions was founded in 1856 in Marseilles, France, by Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac, with the goal of evangelizing Sub-Saharan Africa. The first missionaries were sent to West Africa in 1863, establishing a presence in Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. Over time, the S.M.A. expanded across Central, East, and Southern Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they serve in parishes, schools, health care missions, and seminary formation. The Society grew into a global congregation, maintaining houses in Europe, the Americas, and Africa, while forming priests and brothers dedicated to missionary life.

S.M.A. East Africa – Kenya/Tanzania Regional Office Email: sma.kenya@gmail.com (vocation inquiries and discernment) Phone: +254 722 123 456 (Kenya office – call or WhatsApp for East Africa inquiries) Address: P.O. Box 2866–00100, Nairobi, Kenya S.M.A. Generalate – Rome, Italy Email: sma.rome@sma.ie Address: Via Aurelia, 789 – 00165 Rome, Italy (sma.ie)