International Community Advocates for Revised Global Map, Prioritizing Accurate African Proportions
The "Correct the Map" campaign, spearheaded by advocacy organizations Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa, has gained significant momentum with the endorsement of the African Union (AU) on August 15, 2025. The campaign aims to address the long-standing issue of the Mercator Projection's visual distortions on maps, which have led to a misunderstanding of Africa's true size and significance.
Developed by Gerardus Mercator in 1569 for maritime navigation, the Mercator Projection was designed to represent lines of constant compass bearing as straight segments. However, it has the unwanted side effect of drastically distorting landmass sizes, making high-latitude regions appear larger and equatorial regions smaller. This distortion has resulted in Africa appearing much smaller than it is on these maps, despite being about 14 times larger than Greenland, which looks similar in size.
This misrepresentation has had profound implications, reinforcing historical stereotypes and biases in media, education, and policy. It has shaped perceptions that foster a sense of marginalization, as emphasized by Selma Malika Haddadi, the African Union Commission's Deputy Chair.
To counteract these distortions, the campaign advocates for the adoption of more accurate projections like the Equal Earth projection. Introduced in 2018, this modern, equal-area map presents land masses in their true proportions, offering a more equitable and respectful representation. Dorbrene O'Marde, Vice-Chair of Caricom's Reparations Commission, has endorsed the Equal Earth projection, describing the Mercator map as an embodiment of "power and dominance."
The AU's endorsement of the Equal Earth projection is a cultural and educational statement, aligning with broader ambitions to reclaim Africa's global narrative and address colonial-era misrepresentations. Reports suggest that the World Bank and some UN agencies are reviewing or phasing out the Mercator map, signalling a shift towards more accurate and equitable map projections.
As the Equal Earth projection gains traction in African classrooms and global institutions, it is hoped that this will lead to a more balanced understanding of the world, fostering a sense of equity, visibility, and respect for Africa and its people.
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