ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – African leaders have endorsed a landmark initiative aimed at correcting how Africa is represented on world maps.
The decision was adopted during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in February 2026. The initiative, championed by Togo, seeks to address map projections that have long distorted Africa’s true size and global significance.
Following the endorsement, Togo elevated the initiative to the United Nations General Assembly. The country is now advocating for the use of map projections that more accurately reflect Africa’s geographic reality.
Supporters say the campaign goes beyond cartography. They argue that inaccurate maps have contributed to misconceptions about Africa’s size, influence and development potential for decades.
The initiative has emerged as one of the key outcomes of the African Union’s 2025 Theme of the Year on justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent. It reflects growing calls to correct historical distortions and strengthen Africa’s global image.
The issue gained momentum during the 9th Pan-African Congress held in Lomé, Togo, in 2025. Delegates identified map distortion as part of a broader challenge involving historical justice, narrative sovereignty and Africa’s representation in global affairs.
Togo’s President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, described the effort as part of Africa’s journey toward reclaiming its collective destiny. Togolese Foreign Minister Prof. Robert Dussey also called the initiative a strategic step toward restoring Africa’s true place and voice in the world.
The African Union Commission has thrown its support behind the campaign. Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi said inaccurate projections, particularly the widely used Mercator map, have contributed to perceptions of Africa as smaller and less significant than it actually is.
The AU now plans to work with governments, educators, publishers, technology companies and international institutions to promote more accurate alternatives, including the Equal Earth projection.
Officials say the initiative will help ensure Africa is represented according to its true scale, strengthen its global positioning and support a more accurate understanding of the continent’s opportunities, markets and development potential.