The African Union launches a continental initiative for a fairer cartographic representation of Africa on the world map
Press Release
The Conference of Heads of State and Government of the African Union adopted, during its 39th Ordinary Session held on February 14 and 15, 2026 in Addis Ababa, a historic decision on the correction of Africa’s map in global cartographic representations, at the initiative of His Excellency Mr. Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, President of the Council of the Togolese Republic.
🎯 OBJECTIVE OF THE INITIATIVE
This initiative aims to address the historical distortions induced by certain cartographic projections, notably the so-called Mercator projection, which tends to visually reduce the actual surface area of the African continent in favor of other regions of the world.
It is part of the implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic vision for an integrated, prosperous and influential Africa, and aligns with the theme of the African Union Year 2025 dedicated to restorative justice.
📜 A HISTORIC DECISION
Through this decision, which marks a major milestone in the quest for historical justice, scientific truth and the reaffirmation of the dignity of the African continent in the collective imagination, the Conference:
✅ Encourages Member States to promote the use of more equitable and scientifically accurate cartographic projections in educational systems, official publications and institutional materials
✅ Invites international organizations, academic institutions and publishers to adopt representations that are faithful to the geographical reality of the continent
✅ Mandates the African Union Commission and Member States to conduct an in-depth review of cartographic standards to be recommended at the continental level
The adoption of this decision thus reflects the collective will of the African Union Member States to promote an image of Africa based on scientific truth and historical dignity, while strengthening the pan-African consciousness of younger generations.
39th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the African Union
🇹🇬 TOGO’S VISION
Togo’s vision in proposing this item on the agenda of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Conference follows the speech by H.E. Prof. Robert DUSSEY, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Togolese Abroad, delivered in September 2025 before the United Nations General Assembly.
🏛️ CONFERENCE COMMENDATIONS
In this regard, the Conference commended the initiative led by the Togolese Republic and the Declaration of the 9th Pan-African Congress held from December 8 to 12, 2025 in Lomé, Togo, which calls upon the African Union, Member States and nations hosting communities of people of African descent to submit a formal request to the United Nations and its relevant agencies to correct the disproportionate cartographic representations of the continent, particularly the Mercator projection, as an act of cognitive justice and reparations, essential to restoring Africa’s true place in the global imagination.
Togo thus reaffirms its commitment to promoting dignity, respect for historical truths and the consolidation of continental unity.
It welcomes the broad consensus that this historic decision received and expresses its profound gratitude to the African Union Commission and, more particularly, to the Office of the Vice-Chairperson of the Commission, the relevant departments and Member States for their constant support, which demonstrates the African Union’s capacity to carry forward structuring initiatives that are meaningful and forward-looking for the continent.
Done in Addis Ababa, February 15, 2026