Togo Proposes New World Map to Reflect True Size of Africa at UN

Togo's Initiative for a New World Map

In a significant move to recalibrate the representation of Africa on global maps, Togo's Foreign Minister, Robert Dossou, announced the country's initiative at the United Nations to advocate for a new world map that more accurately depicts the continent's true size. The proposal aims to phase out the outdated Mercator projection, which has been criticized for distorting the relative sizes of countries and continents.

The Flaws of the Mercator Projection

Developed in the 16th century by cartographer Gerardus Mercator for navigation purposes, the Mercator projection has become the standard for world maps. However, critics argue that it misrepresents the size of Africa, making it seem comparable to Greenland despite Africa being about 14 times larger in actual area. This distortion contributes to a skewed perception of Africa's significance in global narratives, reinforcing stereotypes and marginalization.

Support from the African Union

The campaign, dubbed "Correct the Map," is backed by the African Union and emphasizes the need for accurate geographical representation. The initiative highlights how perceptions shaped by cartography can influence educational content and media portrayals of the continent, as noted by Moky Makura, Executive Director of the organization Africa No Filter. She pointed out that accurate representation is crucial not just in maps but also for action and progress in showcasing Africa's true essence to the world.

Transition to the Equal Earth Projection

Togo aims to replace the Mercator projection with the Equal Earth projection, which was introduced in 2018 and provides a more truthful representation of country sizes. The African Union has already endorsed a resolution encouraging its 55 member states to abandon the Mercator projection in favor of this more accurate alternative.

The Minister stated, "The size of the African continent as depicted on the globe is not geographically accurate," urging the adoption of scientific truths. A draft resolution supporting this initiative is currently being prepared for the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly, scheduled for September, with the hope that it will receive broad backing from member nations.

The Road Ahead

The institutional challenge lies in passing a resolution through the UN's General Assembly, but Dossou has expressed optimism about the response from African countries. He indicated that the votes in the assembly would reveal these nations’ commitment to correcting historical misconceptions.

In related developments, the UN recently adopted a resolution led by African nations condemning slavery as a "crime against humanity" and calling for reparations, highlighting the increasing advocacy for social justice within the organization.

As the international community prepares for the vote in September, Togo's proposal marks a crucial step toward redefining Africa's image on the global stage, aiming for recognition that respects the continent's size, significance, and diversity in shaping future narratives.