Latest news with #SpeakUpAfrica
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
African Union Urges Adoption Of World Map Showing Continent's True Size
London: The African Union has backed a campaign to end the use by governments and international organisations of the 16th-century Mercator map of the world in favour of one that more accurately displays Africa's size. Created by cartographer Gerardus Mercator for navigation, the projection distorts continent sizes, enlarging areas near the poles like North America and Greenland while shrinking Africa and South America. "It might seem to be just a map, but in reality, it is not," AU Commission deputy chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi told Reuters, saying the Mercator fostered a false impression that Africa was "marginal", despite being the world's second-largest continent by area, with 54 nations and over a billion people. Such stereotypes influence media, education and policy, she said. 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, which tries to reflect countries' true sizes. "The current size of the map of Africa is wrong," Moky Makura, executive director of Africa No Filter, said. "It's the world's longest misinformation and disinformation campaign, and it just simply has to stop." Fara Ndiaye, co-founder of Speak Up Africa, said the Mercator affected Africans' identity and pride, especially children who might encounter it early in school. "We're actively working on promoting a curriculum where the Equal Earth projection will be the main standard across all (African) classrooms," Ndiaye said, adding she hoped it would also be the one used by global institutions, including Africa-based ones. Haddadi said the AU endorsed the campaign, adding it aligned with its goal of "reclaiming Africa's rightful place on the global stage" amid growing calls for reparations for colonialism and slavery. The AU will advocate for wider map adoption and discuss collective actions with member states, Haddadi added. The Mercator projection is still widely used, including by schools and tech companies. Google Maps switched from Mercator on desktop to a 3D globe view in 2018, though users can still switch back to Mercator if they prefer. On the mobile app, however, the Mercator projection remains the default. 'Correct The Map' wants organisations like the World Bank and the United Nations to adopt the Equal Earth map. A World Bank spokesperson said they already use the Winkel-Tripel or Equal Earth for static maps and are phasing out Mercator on web maps. The campaign said it has sent a request to the UN geospatial body, UN-GGIM. A UN spokesperson said that once received, it must be reviewed and approved by a committee of experts. Other regions are backing the AU's efforts. Dorbrene O'Marde, Vice Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission, endorsed Equal Earth as a rejection of the Mercator map's "ideology of power and dominance".
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
African Union urges adoption of world map showing continent's true size
The African Union has backed a campaign to end the use by governments and international organisations of the 16th-century Mercator map of the world in favour of one that more accurately displays Africa's size. Created by cartographer Gerardus Mercator for navigation, the projection distorts continent sizes, enlarging areas near the poles like North America and Greenland while shrinking Africa and South America. 'It might seem to be just a map, but in reality, it is not,' AU Commission deputy chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi told Reuters, saying the Mercator fostered a false impression that Africa was 'marginal', despite being the world's second-largest continent by area, with 54 nations and over a billion people. Such stereotypes influence media, education and policy, she said. 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, which tries to reflect countries' true sizes. 'The current size of the map of Africa is wrong,' Moky Makura, executive director of Africa No Filter, said. 'It's the world's longest misinformation and disinformation campaign, and it just simply has to stop.' Fara Ndiaye, co-founder of Speak Up Africa, said the Mercator affected Africans' identity and pride, especially children who might encounter it early in school. 'We're actively working on promoting a curriculum where the Equal Earth projection will be the main standard across all (African) classrooms,' Ndiaye said, adding she hoped it would also be the one used by global institutions, including Africa-based ones. Haddadi said the AU endorsed the campaign, adding it aligned with its goal of 'reclaiming Africa's rightful place on the global stage' amid growing calls for reparations for colonialism and slavery. The AU will advocate for wider map adoption and discuss collective actions with member states, Haddadi added. The Mercator projection is still widely used, including by schools and tech companies. Google Maps switched from Mercator on desktop to a 3D globe view in 2018, though users can still switch back to the Mercator if they prefer. On the mobile app, however, the Mercator projection remains the default. 'Correct The Map' wants organisations like the World Bank and the United Nations to adopt the Equal Earth map. A World Bank spokesperson said they already use the Winkel-Tripel or Equal Earth for static maps and are phasing out Mercator on web maps. The campaign said it has sent a request to the UN geospatial body, UN-GGIM. A UN spokesperson said that once received it must be reviewed and approved by a committee of experts. Other regions are backing the AU's efforts. Dorbrene O'Marde, Vice Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission, endorsed Equal Earth as a rejection of Mercator map's 'ideology of power and dominance'.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
African Union urges adoption of world map showing continent's true size
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox LONDON/DAKAR - The African Union has backed a campaign to end the use by governments and international organisations of the 16th-century Mercator map of the world in favour of one that more accurately displays Africa's size. Created by cartographer Gerardus Mercator for navigation, the projection distorts continent sizes, enlarging areas near the poles like North America and Greenland while shrinking Africa and South America. "It might seem to be just a map, but in reality, it is not," AU Commission deputy chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi told Reuters, saying the Mercator fostered a false impression that Africa was "marginal", despite being the world's second-largest continent by area, with 54 nations and over a billion people. Such stereotypes influence media, education and policy, she said. 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, which tries to reflect countries' true sizes. "The current size of the map of Africa is wrong," Moky Makura, executive director of Africa No Filter, said. "It's the world's longest misinformation and disinformation campaign, and it just simply has to stop." Fara Ndiaye, co-founder of Speak Up Africa, said the Mercator affected Africans' identity and pride, especially children who might encounter it early in school. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: PMD battery could have started fatal blaze, says SCDF Singapore askST: What to do in the event of a fire at home? Singapore 4 housebreaking suspects taken to Bukit Timah crime scene under police escort Asia AirAsia flight from KL to Incheon lands at the wrong airport in South Korea Singapore Reformative training for teen who cheated man of $47k Rolex watch on former stepdad's instructions Opinion Could telco consolidation spell the end of attractive mobile plans? Asia Strong India-Singapore ties key to economic growth amid 'volatile landscape': DPM Gan Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength "We're actively working on promoting a curriculum where the Equal Earth projection will be the main standard across all (African) classrooms," Ndiaye said, adding she hoped it would also be the one used by global institutions, including Africa-based ones. Haddadi said the AU endorsed the campaign, adding it aligned with its goal of "reclaiming Africa's rightful place on the global stage" amid growing calls for reparations for colonialism and slavery. The AU will advocate for wider map adoption and discuss collective actions with member states, Haddadi added. The Mercator projection is still widely used, including by schools and tech companies. Google Maps switched from Mercator on desktop to a 3D globe view in 2018, though users can still switch back to the Mercator if they prefer. On the mobile app, however, the Mercator projection remains the default. 'Correct The Map' wants organisations like the World Bank and the United Nations to adopt the Equal Earth map. A World Bank spokesperson said they already use the Winkel-Tripel or Equal Earth for static maps and are phasing out Mercator on web maps. The campaign said it has sent a request to the UN geospatial body, UN-GGIM. A UN spokesperson said that once received it must be reviewed and approved by a committee of experts. Other regions are backing the AU's efforts. Dorbrene O'Marde, Vice Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission, endorsed Equal Earth as a rejection of Mercator map's "ideology of power and dominance". REUTERS
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Speak Up Africa galvanizes private sector engagement to accelerate malaria-elimination efforts in Africa
On the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum, Speak Up Africa ( in collaboration with the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), and Malaria No More UK, launched the Francophone chapter of the Change the Story campaign and unveiled a new report, Change the Story, Save Lives: The Private Sector's Role in Ending Malaria. The campaign aims to amplify the voices of women and girls and mobilize the African private sector to accelerate malaria elimination. With the upcoming Global Fund 8th Replenishment and rising funding gaps, 2025 represents a critical moment to unlock new resources and scale up impact. 'This is your moment to co-invest for impact, because when Africa's private sector leads, the world pays attention,' said Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria. 'The Global Fund has saved millions of lives and strengthened health systems. Your investments now can safeguard both economic resilience and public health.' The accompanying report calls on businesses to: Provide direct or in-kind support to national malaria control efforts Channel resources into the Global Fund's 8th Replenishment Join End Malaria Councils to drive multisectoral advocacy and resource mobilization Invest in the new Voix EssentiELLEs Fund for Malaria Elimination, focused on women-led, community-driven efforts. Africa's fight against malaria needs to be bold and the private sector is a vital partner in that mission.' said Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of ALMA and Board Chair of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria 'By joining End Malaria Councils and Funds and investing in community-led solutions, companies can unlock the innovations and resources needed to deliver impact, protect lives, power economies, and achieve a malaria-free future.' Launched during the event, the Voix EssentiELLEs Fund for Malaria Elimination aims to mobilize $4 million by 2030 to support flexible malaria funding for women and girls, and regional advocacy aligned with national priorities. 'To avoid losing years of progress in the fight against malaria, securing new and diversified sources of funding is urgent,' said Pierre N'gou Dimba, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage of Côte d'Ivoire. 'The private sector has a direct stake in malaria elimination. Healthy communities lead to thriving economies.' Women and girls continue to carry the greatest burden of malaria, yet remain underrepresented in decision-making and funding. 'Investing in women and girls accelerates development. Women leaders strengthen communities, drive innovation, and help lift families out of poverty. And we know that for every $1 invested in malaria control, we gain up to $60 in economic returns. Malaria-free communities are not just healthier, they are more resilient, productive, and profitable' said Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa. A 2024 study found that reducing malaria incidence by 90% by 2030 could boost the continent's GDP by $126.9 billion. Malaria is not just a health issue, it is an economic barrier that weakens productivity, drives household spending, and constrains growth. As part of Speak Up Africa's ongoing work with the private sector, the organization signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Canal+ Côte d'Ivoire and the National Malaria Control Program. The agreement builds on a five-year collaboration between Speak Up Africa and Canal+ Group, which has contributed more than $1.5 million in airtime and in-kind support. 'Through our platform, we are proud to drive awareness and contribute to the fight against malaria,' said Adama Koné, Director General of Canal+ Côte d'Ivoire. 'Together with Speak Up Africa and their partners, we are committed to changing the story to end malaria in Africa.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Speak Up Africa. Download ( the 'Change the Story, Save Lives: The private sector's role in ending malaria' Report ( Media Contact: Maelle Ba Speak Up Africa: Speak Up Africa is an African-led, Senegal-based organization dedicated to building an Africa where growth and sustainable development are driven by Africa's own citizens. Speak Up Africa convenes, enables and advocates. Focusing on strategic communications and advocacy, the organization is dedicated to supporting African leaders and citizens to take an active role in identifying and developing solutions to tackle the challenges facing the African continent — including malaria, NTDs, immunization, sanitation, gender equality and global health research and development. From its strategic base in Dakar, Senegal, the Speak Up Africa team partners with African leaders and change-makers to put in place the right policies and secure sufficient resources to achieve our sustainable development goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063.
