The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC-Africa has joined other African workers to welcome the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the resolution promoting the use of the Equal Earth map projection, which more accurately represents Africa’s true geographical size.
The resolution, spearheaded by the Republic of Togo and supported by the African Union, was adopted by an overwhelming majority of 164 Member States.
ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Joel Odigie, in a statement, commended the Government and people of Togo for the Pan-African spirit, determination, and leadership demonstrated in advancing the historic initiative.
ITUC-Africa said Togo has shown that African countries can successfully shape global debates and institutions when they act with clarity, unity and confidence.
The statement said that, for centuries, the widespread use of the Mercator projection has visually diminished Africa while disproportionately enlarging parts of Europe and North America, arguing that this was not merely a technical cartographic problem but that it reinforced an uninformed and distorted view of Africa as a
small, peripheral and dependent continent.
Odigie notes Maps influence education, public imagination, policymaking, and perceptions of political and economic power, and correcting this longstanding distortion, is therefore an important act of historical and representational justice.
He added that Africa’s true size also reminds its people of the continent’s enormous possibilities, with its vast
landmass, growing population, strategic resources, productive potential and expanding workforce, the continent represents a major market in its own right.
The African Workers group said that, at a time of profound geopolitical and economic reconfiguration, such a decision must serve as a clarion call for Africans to recognise what they possess, build their collective capabilities, and use them to advance the development needed.
The ITUC-Africa said this is why it wants to see the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
translated from agreements and declarations into practical benefits, for Africa to have the needed greater
regional integration, increased intra-African trade, improved infrastructure and freer, safer mobility for workers and people.
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(Editor: Ken Eseni)
