Togo to Champion Africa’s True Size in UN Mapping Reform Push

Togo has been mandated by the African Union to advocate at the United Nations for a more accurate cartographic representation of Africa, a move aimed at correcting historical distortions that have long underestimated the continent’s true size.

According to Robert Dussey, the initiative reflects a growing recognition that widely used world maps do not accurately portray Africa’s geographical scale. Despite being the second-largest continent, with more than 30 million square kilometers, Africa often appears visually reduced due to projection methods commonly used in global cartography.

Togo plans to present a draft resolution at the United Nations, calling for a fairer representation that aligns with scientific reality. Beyond technical correction, the initiative highlights broader concerns about how such distortions influence global perceptions of Africa’s importance and strategic weight.

Officials argue that inaccurate mapping contributes to a diminished image of the continent, affecting how it is viewed in political, economic, and educational contexts. By addressing this issue, Lomé aims to promote a more balanced global narrative and reinforce Africa’s place on the international stage.

The proposal is part of a wider effort to reassess inherited representations and ensure that global standards reflect both accuracy and equity in depicting the world.

Source: Newstimehub