ITUC-Africa commends the Government and people of Togo for the Pan-African spirit, determination and leadership demonstrated in advancing this historic initiative. Togo has shown that African countries can successfully shape global debates and institutions when they act with clarity, unity and confidence.

For centuries, the widespread use of the Mercator projection has visually diminished Africa while disproportionately enlarging parts of Europe and North America. This was not merely a technical cartographic problem. It reinforced an uninformed and distorted view of Africa as a small, peripheral and dependent continent. Maps influence education, public imagination, policymaking and perceptions of political and economic power. Correcting this longstanding distortion is therefore an important act of historical and representational justice.

Africa’s true size also reminds us of the continent’s enormous possibilities. With its vast landmass, growing population, strategic resources, productive potential and expanding workforce, Africa represents a major market in its own right. At a time of profound geopolitical and economic reconfiguration, this decision must serve as a clarion call for Africans to recognise what we possess, build our collective capabilities and use them to advance our shared development.

This is why ITUC-Africa wants to see the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) translated from agreements and declarations into practical benefits. Africa needs greater regional integration, increased intra-African trade, improved infrastructure and freer, safer mobility for workers and people. The continent must dismantle the administrative, transport and financial barriers that continue to fragment its economies and restrict cooperation among its peoples.

Correcting the geographical map must also encourage us to examine Africa’s economic map. Who owns and controls the continent’s land, minerals, energy systems, technology, finance and productive assets? Despite Africa’s vast size and wealth, inequality remains rife. Too much economic power and wealth remain concentrated in the hands of a small number of billionaires, multinational corporations and politically connected oligarchs, while millions of workers face unemployment, informality, inadequate wages and the absence of social protection.
The energy and unity demonstrated through the ‘Correct the Map’ campaign must now embolden a broader Pan-African agenda for structural transformation. Africa must move beyonDiversify the export of raw materials, build strong regional value chains, and develop its productive capacity to place its resources under accountable, democratic stewardship.

Ultimately, Africa’s true size must be reflected not only on the world map, but also in its global influence and in the quality of life of its people. Ordinary people must experience the dividends of African integration and transformation through decent work, living wages, universal social protection, quality public services, and greater distributive justice.

ITUC-Africa congratulates Togo, the African Union and all those who championed and supported this important resolution. Africa has been restored to its proper scale on the map. The greater task before us is to ensure that its workers and peoples occupy their rightful place in the continent’s economy and in the world.

Issue in Lomé, Togo on September 6, 2026

Akhator Joel Odigie
General Secretary
ITUC-Africa