The African Union (AU) has thrown its weight behind “Correct The Map,” a campaign championed by Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa to replace the widely used Mercator projection with the Equal Earth projection in classrooms and public platforms.
The initiative seeks to address centuries of geographical distortion that downplayed Africa’s true size on the world map. The Mercator projection, introduced in 1569 for navigation, disproportionately enlarges regions like Europe and North America, while shrinking Africa and other parts of the Global South.
By promoting the Equal Earth projection, advocates argue that Africa will finally be represented in its rightful scale, reflecting both its geographical vastness and its global significance.
According to Africa No Filter, “this campaign is about more than just maps—it’s about changing perceptions, reclaiming narratives, and giving Africa the visual recognition it deserves.”
The AU’s endorsement signals strong continental backing for the initiative, which is expected to influence education, policy, and public awareness across Africa and beyond.
