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Why maps make Africa smaller episode artwork

Sep 7, 2026 22 min

Why maps make Africa smaller

from Focus on Africa Hosted by BBC World Service

The United Nations has endorsed a new map projection that more accurately represents Africa’s true size. The "Correct the Map" resolution, sponsored by Togo and backed by African Union (AU) member states, was adopted with the support of 164 countries, including France and the United Kingdom. The United States was the only country to vote against it, while six nations abstained. On this episode, we explore why this new map matters and what it reveals about Africa’s true scale. And Nigeria has one of the world's highest numbers of out-of-school children, with the UN estimating that 19 million are missing out on education. Insecurity remains a major barrier. BBC Eye follows two young girls in Zamfara State who are rebuilding their futures through education after violence forced them out of school. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Bella Twine Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla

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Why maps make Africa smaller

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This episode was published on September 7, 2026.

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