Africa/” Correct The Map” campaign pushes for fairer world representation

A growing movement led by Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa is challenging the centuries-old Mercator map projection, urging governments and international bodies to adopt the more accurate Equal Earth projection (2018).

Backed by the African Union, the campaign argues the Mercator map created in 1569 distorts global perceptions by inflating northern regions (like Europe and North America) while shrinking Africa and South America.

The AU warns this misrepresentation perpetuates harmful stereotypes, making Africa appear smaller than its true size (second-largest continent by land area).

“The Mercator projection marginalizes Africa in global discourse, affecting education, media, and policymaking,” said AU Commission Vice Chair Selma Malika Haddadi.

The campaign has formally requested the UN Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) to endorse the change.

While the UN confirmed receipt of the petition, any adoption would require technical review.