The Council of African Communities in Europe and Belgium (CCAEB) emerged in the 1990s in response to the growing need for unified representation of Afro-descendants in Europe. Unlike many associations that focused on a national or ethnic identity, the CCAEB positioned itself as a pan-African organisation, aiming to unite people from across sub-Saharan Africa to address common challenges and advocate for political representation.

The founding members of CCAEB, including activists such as Suzanne Monkasa, Ken Ndiaye, Emilien Sanou, Félicien Kazadi, Kuwala Banda, Marie Claire Ruhamya, Marie Claire Mwanza and Félix Kubwayo, recognised the importance of forming a collective voice. Their aim was not only to represent the interests of African communities in Belgium, but also at European Union level.

Throughout the 1990s, the CCAEB-RVDAGEB, as a federating body, applied itself to its task as a structure responsible for advocacy at both Belgian and EU level. In this capacity, the CCAEB-RVDAGEB took part in the work of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held in Durban, South Africa, from 31 August to 7 September 2001. This Conference resulted in a Declaration and a Programme of Action. It was at this Conference that it was decided to highlight the role of Afro-descendants, and to give concrete expression to this, the Declaration of the Decade of People of African Descent for the years 2015-2024 followed. Belgium, which as a member of international bodies is no exception to the rule, put this decision into practice and organised the event in June 2017 at the Egmont Palace with the participation of members of people of African descent.

As for the member associations, they have been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at combating the invisibility and under-representation of Black Africans in public life. They have organised events such as marches in the Matonge district of Brussels, debates on the restitution of African art, and discussions in key cultural venues such as the Horloge du Sud. These activities not only raised public awareness, but also strengthened solidarity within the African diaspora in Belgium. CCAEB has also played a crucial role in mobilising against issues such as police violence and systemic racism.

The association acted as an intermediary, disseminating information, facilitating discussions and acting as a spokesperson for the community. It was frequently invited by political players at various levels to provide advice in the decision-making process. The organisation's emphasis on pan-Africanism set it apart in the landscape of African associations. By defending the rights of all Africans, whatever their national origins, CCAEB has fostered a broader sense of community and collective identity, not least by establishing links with other organisations.