News

Rwanda is rapidly transforming into one of Africa’s most digitally connected and innovative countries. From smart city initiatives in Kigali to expanding access to healthcare and education in rural districts, Point of Interest (POI) data plays a pivotal role in guiding development and operational decisions.

In 2025, the demand for high-quality, up-to-date POI data across Rwanda’s sectors—government, logistics, telecom, finance, and humanitarian aid—is growing exponentially. Several vendors serve the Rwandan market, but one company consistently delivers superior coverage and detail.

Here’s an overview of the top POI data vendors in Rwanda, with Techsalerator leading the field.

1. Techsalerator – Rwanda’s Leading POI Data Provider

Why Techsalerator leads:
Techsalerator offers comprehensive, granular, and locally validated POI datasets that cover urban centers like Kigali, secondary cities such as Butare and Ruhengeri, and remote rural communities. Their data supports everything from infrastructure planning to last-mile delivery and social services.

Key strengths:

• Complete National Coverage: Data spans all provinces, including hard-to-map sectors like informal markets and off-grid clinics.
  
  

• Rich Metadata: Each POI entry includes name, category (healthcare, education, retail, government offices, utilities, etc.), GPS coordinates, contact details, opening hours, and ownership information.
  
  

• Frequent Updates: Leveraging a combination of field verification, satellite data, and AI-driven analysis to keep data current.
  
  

• Flexible Integration: APIs and customized data packages that fit various applications—from mobile apps to GIS dashboards.
  
  

Trusted by government agencies, NGOs, telecom operators, and financial institutions, Techsalerator provides Rwanda with location intelligence that is accurate, actionable, and scalable.

2. OpenStreetMap (OSM)

OpenStreetMap is a valuable community-driven resource in Rwanda. It has seen growth in contributions, especially since the 2010s, helping NGOs and researchers in mapping informal settlements and rural infrastructure.

Pros:

• Free and open-source
  
  

• Constant community updates
  
  

Cons:

• Inconsistent coverage in rural areas
  
  

• Limited detailed metadata and formal business data
  
  

3. HERE Technologies

HERE Technologies offers strong mapping and routing solutions in Rwanda, with particular focus on road networks and urban logistics. Their POI data works well for fleet management and transport optimization.

Pros:

• Reliable road and urban POI data
  
  

• Integrated traffic and routing support
  
  

Cons:

• Limited granularity on informal or rural POIs
  
  

• Metadata less tailored to local context
  
  

4. Google Maps Platform

Google Maps is widely used for navigation and consumer-facing services in Rwanda. While it provides a broad overview of POIs, its data is less accessible for enterprise-level applications or detailed analytics.

Pros:

• Popular and user-friendly
  
  

• Regular user-generated updates
  
  

Cons:

• Limited data export options
  
  

• Not optimized for formal analytics or government use
  
  

5. SafeGraph

SafeGraph is expanding in Africa but has limited direct coverage in Rwanda. When available, their POI data is detailed and useful for commercial and real estate sectors.

Pros:

• High-quality commercial POI data
  
  

• Structured for analytics and business intelligence
  
  

Cons:

• Minimal presence in rural Rwanda
  
  

• Less coverage of informal sectors
  
  

Conclusion

Rwanda’s ambitious goals for digital development, smart infrastructure, and improved service delivery rely heavily on accurate and actionable POI data. From Kigali’s urban projects to rural healthcare accessibility, location intelligence is a cornerstone of progress.

In 2025, Techsalerator emerges as Rwanda’s top POI data vendor, combining extensive coverage, local knowledge, and flexible delivery. Whether you’re in government planning, NGO operations, or commercial expansion, Techsalerator equips you with the POI insights to succeed.