#CorrectTheMap: AU joins call for adoption of world map reflecting Africa's true size

The Money Show's Stephen Grootes is joined by Africa business specialist Rutendo Hwindingwi.

Scale in geography matters - The African Union (AU) has joined calls for the standard world map to reflect the real, bigger size of Africa in relation to other continents. 

The #CorrectTheMap campaign says the distortion reinforces narratives that marginalize African countries in global decision-making. (Click here to see the two maps side-by-side)

"Misrepresenting Africa’s true size impacts how the world views our political significance, undermining and undervaluing Africa's role in global discussions and international relations."

Correct The Map

Africa business specialist Rutendo Hwindingwi notes that the widely used Mercator map dates way back to the 16th century.

"The person to blame is 16th-century cartographer Gerardus Mercator, who designed the global map in such a way that North America, Greenland and the Poles look very big and Africa very small."

Rutendo Hwindingwi, Founding Director - Tribe Africa Advisory

"I remember at school when you'd look at the map and see Africa is relatively small, but because we were in the centre it wasn't a big issue. However, from a geographical perspective, Africa is the second biggest continent."

Rutendo Hwindingwi, Founding Director - Tribe Africa Advisory

Criticism of the Mercator map is not new, but the ‘Correct The Map’ campaign led by advocacy groups 'Africa No Filter' and 'Speak Up Africa' has revived the debate, urging organisations to adopt the 2018 Equal Earth projection.

'It’s the world’s longest misinformation and disinformation campaign, and it just simply has to stop', says Africa No Filter's Moky Makura.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to Africa Business Focus (Africa map discussion at 5:45)