Africa

For centuries, the world has been misled about Africa’s true size. The Mercator map—one of the most widely used world maps—has shrunk the continent, distorting its scale and minimizing its global significance.

Africa covers 30.37 million square kilometers—large enough to fit the United States, China, India, and most of Europe combined. Yet, in classrooms, newsrooms, publications, and boardrooms worldwide, the Mercator projection presents Africa as much smaller than it really is.

Designed for 16th-century maritime navigation, the map artificially enlarges Global North regions while drastically reducing the perceived size of continents like Africa. The result? A distorted world view that downplays Africa’s economic, cultural, and political importance.

Now, Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa are launching the Correct the Map campaign to put an end to this enduring falsehood. The Correct the Map campaign is calling on international organizations—including the UN, World Bank, and BBC—to switch to the Equal Earth map projection, a fairer and more accurate representation of global geography.

Through a global petition and campaign charter, the initiative invites institutions, educators, and media platforms to pledge their commitment to using maps that depict Africa’s true size.

“Geography has history. Africa’s misrepresentation on world maps is not just a cartographic error—it’s a narrative issue,” says Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter.

“By reducing the size of Africa, we are subconsciously downplaying its importance. It’s time we took a stand.”

Yacine Djibo, Founder and Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, adds: “Decisions about Africa—economic, political, and developmental—are being made using a false reference point. We need the world to see Africa as it truly is.”

The world cannot afford to keep making decisions based on a 400-year-old distortion. It’s time to fix the map and reframe the narrative.

Sign the petition to Correct the Map here: https://www.change.org/CorrectTheMap

Follow the campaign online: www.correctthemap.org 

The United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the election of the Reverend Emmanuel Sinzohagera as its new Bishop. The election took place on March 15, 2025, during a special session of the Africa Central Conference. Reverend Sinzohagera was elected on the first ballot, receiving 48 out of 60 votes. Following his consecration on March 16, he was assigned to the newly created Burundi-Rwanda Episcopal Area.

The United Methodist Church has a long and storied history in Burundi. Since its inception, the church has played a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the nation, establishing schools, hospitals, and community development programs that have positively impacted it.

countless lives. The church has been a beacon of hope, providing vital services and fostering a spirit of resilience and community in Burundi.

Bishop-Elect Sinzohagera, 50, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is the first bishop elected by the central conference, which is scheduled to split into the new East Africa and Southern Africa central conferences.

Bishop-Elect Sinzohagera’s extensive experience within the United Methodist Church has prepared him well for this new role. For over fifteen years, he served as a dedicated pastor, guiding congregations in Kabezi, Gatumba, and Romero. His leadership extended to the district level, where he served as Superintendent for

Bujumbura for five years. In 2021, he was elected as the legal representative for the Burundi Conference and subsequently appointed dean of superintendents, a position he held again in 2023. He also demonstrated his commitment to spiritual renewal by initiating an annual revival within the Burundi Conference. Recognizing the importance of community development, he founded the Burundi United Methodist Development Agency. Notably, his service also extended beyond the church, as he served as speaker of the Senate of the Republic of Burundi, the third-highest office in his home country.

Bishop-Elect Sinzohagera is also a graduate of Africa University and holds multiple degrees in finance and business administration, a bachelor of theology, and master’s and doctorate degrees. His deep commitment to spiritual growth, social justice, and the mission of the church has been evident throughout his ministry.

Bishop-Elect Sinzohagera expressed his gratitude and commitment to his election. “I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust placed in me by the delegates of the Central Conference. My vision is to bring the body of Christ closer to God by fostering love, peace, and reconciliation. We will strengthen our witness, expand our outreach, and deepen our impact on the lives of the people we serve. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant and transformative church.”

The consecration service for Bishop-Elect Sinzohagera took place on March 16, 2025.

As Bishop, Emmanuel Sinzohagera will provide spiritual leadership, pastoral guidance, and administrative oversight to the United Methodist Church in the newly created Burundi-Rwanda Episcopal Area, representing the church at national and international levels and playing a crucial role in its governance and direction. He will serve for life unless he chooses to retire, is reassigned, or for other reasons.

Dr. Samira Buhari, the founder of the Daurama Foundation, was honored with the esteemed title of Daurama Karama in a ceremony held in January 2025.

The recognition celebrates her impactful contributions to her community and highlights the importance of compassionate leadership and cultural integrity.

The title of Daurama Karama reflects qualities such as grace, resilience, and dedication to service, connecting Dr. Buhari to a lineage of respected leaders who have made lasting contributions to society.

Her work has been instrumental in fostering progressive values while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Daura. The ceremony not only marked a personal achievement for Dr. Buhari but also served as a testament to the power of leadership that is rooted in cultural identity.

HRH Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, the Emir of Daura, presided over the event and underscored the significance of Dr. Buhari’s work.

“The turbaning of Dr. Samira as Daurama Karama reflects the rich heritage of Daura and the profound respect we have for leaders who embody service, integrity, and dedication,” he stated.

His remarks highlighted the critical areas where Dr. Buhari has made a difference, particularly in healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment. The Emir emphasized that her leadership serves as a beacon of hope for future generations, inspiring others to engage in community service.

Dr. Samira Buhari was not alone in this celebration, as she was turbaned alongside her brothers, Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari and Dr. Gazzali Salisu Buhari. Alhaji Ibrahim received the title of Iyan Daura, while Dr. Gazzali was honored with the title of Makaman Kasar Hausa.

The recognition for the whole family marks a historic day that symbolizes their collective commitment to leadership and service.

“Receiving the title of Iyan Daura is both humbling and motivating,” said Alhaji Ibrahim.

It’s a reminder of the trust placed in us to contribute meaningfully to our community.

His statement reflects a deep awareness of the responsibilities accompanying such honors and the need for continued dedication to uplifting the Daura community.

Dr. Gazzali Salisu Buhari echoed this sentiment, noting, “Being named Makaman Kasar Hausa is a significant responsibility. It’s a call to honor our cultural heritage while also embracing the challenges of modern leadership.” His perspective reinforces the necessity for leaders to combine respect for tradition with an innovative approach to address contemporary issues.

Reflecting on the importance of this occasion, Dr. Samira expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to her community.

“This title is a profound recognition of our shared heritage and responsibilities,” she stated. “I am deeply moved and inspired to continue my work in advancing gender equality, healthcare, and community development.” Her dedication to these vital areas underscores her passion for driving progress while remaining grounded in cultural values.

The ceremony also showcased the essential role of women leaders in society. Dr. Samira’s achievements exemplify how women play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage while promoting innovation and inclusivity.

Women leaders like Dr. Samira inspire communities to appreciate the intrinsic value of their heritage and the role it plays in shaping identities by  bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, .

Trinity International’s Paris office bolsters its team with the arrival of Jérôme Le Berre as a tax law partner, starting from January 1, 2025. An experienced tax lawyer, Jérôme brings with him two decades of expertise in the energy and natural resources sectors.

Throughout his career, he has advised international clients on the tax and customs aspects of their investments, particularly in Francophone and Anglophone Africa.

Since its inception, Trinity International has provided a range of top-tier services to its clients operating in emerging markets, particularly in the priority sectors of energy, infrastructure, and natural resources. Jérôme’s arrival adds tax expertise to the firm’s existing capabilities in transactional, project financing, regulatory, and arbitration services. This makes Trinity a one-stop shop for operators in the extractive industries in Africa.

Since Stéphane Brabant and Lucien Bou Chaaya joined the firm in 2021, Trinity’s extractive practice has grown significantly, especially among international mining and oil operators active in Africa. Amid rising tensions between extractive operators and certain African governments, particularly regarding tax and customs audits, Jérôme brings recognized expertise in tax and customs law as well as crisis management.

Lucien Bou Chaaya, partner at Trinity in Paris, commented: “We have worked with Jérôme for years on complex cases, both contentious and non-contentious. He has a unique ability to simplify complex issues. His acute understanding of African contexts, combined with his exceptional analytical and diplomatic skills, makes him a valuable ally in any sensitive negotiation. Bringing him into our team feels like a natural progression of our relationship and allows us to support our clients on all aspects of their projects. We are excited to welcome him into our collective.”

Jérôme Le Berre added: “Trinity International offers a unique range of expertise among firms serving emerging markets, including the extractive sector in Francophone Africa, which is under unprecedented pressure. With Stéphane Brabant and Lucien Bou Chaaya, I join an ambitious team that I know well. Their dedication to serving their clients and their values align perfectly with my vision of advisory services, especially in such a strategic and demanding sector as natural resources.”

Trinity International relies on a team of 60 experienced lawyers specializing in project development and financing, corporate law, and arbitration. The multicultural team, based in four offices (London, Paris, Washington, and Singapore), supports its clients from the early stages and throughout the lifecycle of their projects, including crisis management throughout the project.

Jérôme Le Berre, partner, joins Trinity’s Paris team of over twenty Francophone lawyers, led by Pierre Bernheim, Marianna Sédéfian, Stéphane Brabant, Lucien Bou Chaaya, and Natasha Peter.

The Africa Skills Revolution competition has unveiled its winners, spotlighting the remarkable achievements of African youth engaged in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The initiative, which highlights the critical role of skills development in driving socioeconomic growth across the continent, aligns with the African Union’s Year for Education 2024.

Launched as a pivotal component of the Africa Skills Revolution Initiative—a partnership between AUDA-NEPAD and Humana People to People—the competition aims to reshape perceptions of vocational education by showcasing how equipping young Africans with practical skills can lead to transformative changes in their communities and tackle both local and global challenges.

With an impressive 490 participants from 36 African nations, the competition featured inspiring stories, among which several stood out:

• Huda Arbab, 29, from Kenya, Founder of Craft for Life Business
• Victory Naleh Befii, 32, from Nigeria, working at the TVET Centre, A+ Agency Fashion Academy
• Jonathan Shauri Kalibatha, 24, from Rwanda
• Omar Malak Abshir, 28, from Somalia
• Raina Augustus, 35, from Namibia

Huda Arbab, one of the competition’s winners, articulated her mission, stating, “In the Kakuma refugee camp, many women face significant economic and social challenges. Our handmade products are gaining traction globally due to increasing demand for unique and ethically-sourced items. I aspire to be more than just a designer; I aim to be a catalyst for change.”

Another standout winner, Victory Naleh Befii, emphasizes her dedication to revolutionizing the African fashion industry, asserting, “Creativity can drive social change and economic growth. I want to be a change-maker.”

The competition, which ran from August 26 to September 26, evaluated projects based on passion, ambition, inspiring potential, and contributions to social and economic development. Luckson Soda, Director of DAPP Zimbabwe, expressed immense pride in the participants, stating, “Their projects showcase the innovation that TVET fosters. These young individuals are proving vocational education’s effectiveness in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Mr. Symerre Grey-Johnson, Director of Human Capital and Institutional Development at AUDA-NEPAD, added, “We observe countless young people driving progress in their communities. They’re not just acquiring skills—they’re utilizing them to create meaningful impacts, from launching small businesses to addressing local issues and boosting their economies.”

Though the competition highlights success stories, the Africa Skills Revolution represents far more than an event; it embodies a transformative movement aimed at unlocking the full potential of Africa’s youth.

Despite its proven advantages, TVET is often underestimated and perceived as a lesser alternative to traditional education. This initiative strives to change that narrative.

Through advocacy campaigns and surveys, the Africa Skills Revolution seeks to amplify the voices of young Africans, empowering them to articulate their visions for the continent’s future.