News

Somalia’s path toward rebuilding and modernization depends heavily on accurate, reliable geospatial information. As businesses, NGOs, and government agencies strive to improve infrastructure, healthcare, logistics, and communication networks across the country, high-quality Point of Interest (POI) data has become an essential asset.

Given Somalia’s vast geography, security challenges, and evolving urban landscapes, precise POI data helps map key locations—from marketplaces in Mogadishu to clinics in Hargeisa—enabling smarter decision-making and efficient resource allocation.

In 2025, several companies provide POI data in Somalia, but one stands out as the market leader.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the top POI data vendors in Somalia, with Techsalerator leading the field.

1. Techsalerator – Somalia’s Leading POI Data Provider

Why Techsalerator leads:
Techsalerator offers the most comprehensive and context-aware POI datasets tailored specifically for Somalia’s unique needs. Its data spans urban centers, rural communities, and key transit corridors, delivering detailed information on businesses, public facilities, and service points.

Key strengths:

• Extensive Geographic Coverage: From major cities like Mogadishu, Hargeisa, and Kismayo to remote districts.
  
  

• Rich Metadata: Includes business and facility names, categories (healthcare, education, commerce, NGOs, government offices), precise GPS coordinates, contact info, and hours of operation where available.
  
  

• Focus on Informal and Formal Sectors: Captures informal market hubs and mobile money agents critical to Somalia’s economy.
  
  

• Flexible Access: Provides API integration, bulk data downloads, and customized solutions for humanitarian, commercial, and government users.
  
  

Techsalerator’s local partnerships and on-the-ground verification processes ensure data accuracy in a challenging environment.

2. OpenStreetMap (OSM)

OpenStreetMap has been a key resource for mapping Somalia, especially supported by international aid organizations and volunteer mappers. While it provides useful geographic data and some POIs, its completeness varies widely across regions.

Pros:

• Free and community-driven
  
  

• Useful for NGOs and emergency response
  
  

Cons:

• Inconsistent data quality in rural and conflict-affected areas
  
  

• Limited business metadata
  
  

3. HERE Technologies

HERE Technologies offers global mapping services with some coverage in Somalia’s main urban centers. Its routing and navigation solutions are often used for logistics and transportation.

Pros:

• Reliable road network data
  
  

• Useful for fleet management
  
  

Cons:

• Sparse POI depth outside major cities
  
  

• Limited local business and informal sector data
  
  

4. Google Maps Platform

Google Maps provides consumer-facing POI data in Somalia’s larger cities, but its data often lacks detail in more remote or informal locations.

Pros:

• Popular navigation tool
  
  

• Frequent updates via user contributions
  
  

Cons:

• Incomplete data for many rural or non-commercial POIs
  
  

• Limited access to raw data for enterprise use
  
  

5. SafeGraph

SafeGraph’s footprint in Somalia is minimal due to market challenges. Their POI data tends to focus on formal commercial spaces, which are limited in Somalia’s context.

Pros:

• Structured commercial POI data where available
  
  

Cons:

• Very limited coverage in Somalia
  
  

• Focused on formal retail and businesses
  
  

Conclusion

In Somalia’s complex and evolving landscape, precise and localized POI data is crucial for rebuilding efforts, service delivery, and economic growth. Whether supporting humanitarian programs, telecom expansion, or logistics operations, trusted location data enables better outcomes.

In 2025, Techsalerator is Somalia’s most reliable POI data partner, providing detailed, accurate, and contextually relevant datasets tailored for the country’s realities. Its commitment to quality and local insight makes it the preferred choice for organizations looking to navigate Somalia’s unique challenges with confidence.