Togo advocates for equitable world maps to correct Eurocentric geographic distortions
Original framing: “Togo to ask UN members to adopt world maps that show true size of Africa” — Africa News
The Eurocentric Mercator projection has been used since the 16th century to exaggerate the size of Europe and North America, reinforcing colonial hierarchies. Historical parallels exist in how maps were used to justify territorial expansion and resource extraction.
Togo's campaign to adopt more accurate world maps is not merely a technical correction but a profound act of decolonization.
By challenging the Eurocentric Mercator projection, Togo joins a global movement to reclaim geographic representation as a tool for justice and equity. Indigenous and non-Western mapping traditions offer valuable insights into alternative ways of understanding space, while scientific advancements provide the means to implement more accurate projections. The integration of marginalized voices into cartographic practices can help dismantle colonial legacies and foster a more inclusive global knowledge system. This shift requires institutional change, educational reform, and technological innovation to ensure that future maps reflect the true diversity and complexity of our world.