Correcting Africa’s map won’t bring economic prosperity – Moghalu

Former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor, Kingsley Moghalu, welcomed a United Nations resolution supporting more accurate maps of Africa. However, he stressed that changing the map alone would not lead to economic prosperity on the continent. At a UN General Assembly vote of 164-1, the "Correct the Map" resolution, proposed by Togo on behalf of the African Group and backed by the African Union, encouraged the use of equal-area maps instead of the traditional Mercator projection.

The Mercator projection, developed in the 16th century for navigation, distorts the size of areas closer to the poles, making Africa appear smaller than Greenland, despite Africa being about 14 times larger. Moghalu noted that while the UN resolution is not legally binding and does not ban the Mercator projection for navigation or redraw national borders, the importance of accurate representation extends beyond maps.

He emphasized that maps are instruments of worldview, shaping perceptions of a country's or continent's importance. While showcasing Africa's true size can boost global perception and dignity, Moghalu warned it would not automatically result in economic development. In his book "Emerging Africa," he argues that the continent is "emerging, not rising," and that economic progress requires higher productivity, skilled workforce, good governance, proper planning, and a clear national purpose.

Moghalu referenced countries like China, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam, attributing their economic growth to investments in education, industries, strong institutions, and long-term national planning. He urged Africans to use the renewed focus on their continent's true size as an opportunity to explore and realize the potential of its land and natural resources.

"Teach the true size of Africa. Let children see that this continent can contain the United States, China, India, Japan, Mexico and much of Europe and still have land to spare," Moghalu advised. However, he urged African leaders and citizens to prioritize building productive economies over pride in the continent's size.