Africa Must Stop Being Defined by Others and Start Shaping Its Own Place in the World – AUC Chairperson

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (FMC) — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called on Africa to break decisively from being defined through external narratives and take greater control of how the continent is seen, understood and positioned in the world.

In a statement marking African Union Day, Youssouf said Africa’s push for a world map that more accurately reflects its true size should be understood as part of a much broader continental effort to assert greater agency and shape its own destiny.

The United Nations General Assembly recently endorsed the African-led initiative, championed by the Republic of Togo with the support of the African Union.

Youssouf said the development goes beyond a cartographic adjustment, carrying a deeper message about how Africa is perceived and, equally importantly, how Africans perceive themselves.

He stressed that while a map may influence how the world sees Africa, the continent’s destiny will ultimately be determined by how Africans see themselves, urging the continent to recognize its true size, strength and potential.

African Union Day, observed on September 9, commemorates the 1999 Sirte Declaration, through which African leaders took a decisive step toward creating the African Union as an instrument for accelerating continental integration and strengthening Africa’s voice in the world.

The AU Commission Chairperson said the momentum around the map initiative forms part of a wider continental drive toward greater African agency, reflected in economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area, efforts to strengthen peace and security, sustainable development and stronger African representation in global decision-making.

He reaffirmed that Agenda 2063 remains the continent’s overarching blueprint for building an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.

Youssouf said the African Union’s priorities are increasingly focused on strengthening peace and security, accelerating economic integration and ensuring that Africa’s voice carries greater weight in international affairs.

He stressed that Africa is not seeking a larger place in the world, but is reclaiming what he described as its rightful place, with the task now being to convert renewed continental confidence into unity, prosperity, peace and influence.

The AU Commission Chairperson also cautioned against measuring Africa’s progress solely through its external representation.

He said the ultimate measure of continental advancement must be the quality of life of African citizens, pointing to the African Union’s 2026 focus on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation as an effort to connect Africa’s global aspirations with the everyday realities of its people.

Youssouf called on AU member states, Regional Economic Communities, African institutions, the private sector, civil society, women and young people to contribute to building a more integrated and self-confident Africa capable of shaping its own destiny.

He reaffirmed the African Union Commission’s commitment to advancing the vision of “The Africa We Want” and ensuring that the spirit of the Sirte Declaration continues to guide the continent’s next generation.

He concluded that the Africa of tomorrow must not merely be better represented on the map, but must emerge stronger in the world, more united at home and more prosperous for its people.