South Africa’s dynamic economy, diverse urban centers, and sprawling rural regions create a unique demand for precise and comprehensive Point of Interest (POI) data. From the financial hubs of Johannesburg to the tourism hotspots of Cape Town and the emerging townships across the country, businesses and governments alike rely on accurate location data to power innovation, logistics, and service delivery.
In 2025, the need for high-quality POI datasets is greater than ever. Whether it’s for retail expansion, smart city initiatives, transportation networks, or emergency response, the right POI data can be a game-changer.
Here’s an overview of the top POI data vendors in South Africa, with Techsalerator leading the way.
1. Techsalerator – South Africa’s Leading POI Data Provider
Why Techsalerator stands out:
Techsalerator offers the most extensive, accurate, and up-to-date POI data across South Africa’s provinces, covering metropolitan areas like Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria, as well as rural and semi-urban locations. Their datasets provide rich insights into both formal and informal sectors, crucial for the country’s diverse economic landscape.
Key strengths:
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Nationwide, Multi-Sector Coverage: Retail, healthcare, education, government services, informal markets, transport hubs, and more.
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Detailed POI Attributes: Comprehensive metadata including business types, GPS coordinates, operating hours, contact information, and ownership details.
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Continuous Data Refresh: Leveraging AI, satellite imagery, and on-the-ground verification to maintain data freshness.
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Flexible Access: APIs, downloadable datasets, and custom formats to fit any technology stack or use case.
Applications: Logistics and delivery optimization, telecom infrastructure planning, retail site selection, urban development projects, and disaster management.
With its commitment to context-aware data and operational scale, Techsalerator is the trusted partner for South African enterprises, public sector bodies, and NGOs.
2. HERE Technologies
HERE Technologies offers comprehensive mapping and POI data, particularly strong in South Africa’s major urban centers. Their datasets support vehicle navigation, fleet management, and smart mobility services.
Pros:
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Robust road network and transport-related POI data
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Strong integration capabilities with automotive platforms
Cons:
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Less comprehensive in informal settlement areas
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Metadata is often limited to standardized categories
3. OpenStreetMap (OSM)
OpenStreetMap is widely used across South Africa by community mappers, NGOs, and researchers. It is especially valuable in mapping informal settlements and rural areas where commercial data is scarce.
Pros:
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Free, open-source platform with active local contributors
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Useful for humanitarian and civic tech projects
Cons:
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Variable data quality depending on community engagement
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Metadata depth and consistency can be limited
4. Foursquare
Foursquare’s POI data is primarily used for consumer-facing applications and location-based marketing. In South Africa, it provides valuable insights into retail and hospitality sectors.
Pros:
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Rich consumer behavior and foot traffic analytics
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Well-suited for mobile marketing and loyalty programs
Cons:
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Limited in public sector or infrastructure datasets
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Sparse in rural and non-commercial locations
5. Google Maps Platform
Google Maps is ubiquitous for navigation and basic POI lookup in South Africa. While excellent for consumer use, its data is less accessible for bulk analysis or enterprise applications.
Pros:
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Widely adopted with user-generated updates
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Strong in urban and tourist regions
Cons:
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Limited export options for raw POI data
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Lacks detailed metadata needed for professional GIS applications
Conclusion
South Africa’s socio-economic diversity demands POI data that is both granular and comprehensive. As the country invests in smart infrastructure, digital commerce, and efficient public services, location intelligence becomes a key differentiator.
In 2025, Techsalerator leads South Africa’s POI data market by delivering unmatched accuracy, extensive coverage, and rich context. Whether you’re a logistics provider navigating Cape Town’s streets or a government agency planning health outreach in Limpopo, Techsalerator offers the insights needed to succeed.