AfriGIS Archives

Driving Smarter Property Development Decisions with Geospatial Insights

South Africa’s property development market is full of potential but making the right decisions about where and what to build requires more than just identifying available land. At AfriGIS, we help developers make smarter, data-driven decisions by combining geospatial science with powerful tools like Trade Area Analysis. Our approach goes beyond traditional land evaluation, offering a comprehensive understanding of the market landscape everything from rental trends and income levels to transport links, infrastructure, and environmental risks. With demand for multifamily housing on the rise and urban growth shifting rapidly, developers can no longer rely on static reports or surface-level insights. AfriGIS offers real-time, dynamic data that evolves with the market, allowing for informed decision-making throughout the entire development lifecycle from initial land acquisition to ongoing operational strategy. Whether you're developing luxury apartments, student housing, or affordable family homes, we provide the insights needed to align your investment with actual market demand. Our tools offer a clear view of the bigger picture, helping developers assess potential return on investment, forecast demand, reduce risk, and optimise each development’s success. With features like the Neighbourhood Lifestyle Index, developers gain a deep understanding of who will live in their developments their income, preferences, and lifestyle needs enabling more targeted and profitable projects. At AfriGIS, we help you future-proof your property investments by offering a smarter way to see and understand the spaces you build in. Let data guide your decisions and unlock long-term growth.

Empowerment Through Partnership: AfriGIS and Employment Solutions for People with Disabilities

At AfriGIS, we believe that data has the power to transform the world and that power should be shared. Since 2016, we’ve partnered with Employment Solutions, a Tshwane-based nonprofit that creates work opportunities for persons with disabilities. Together, we’re building more than maps we Are building inclusive, empowered communities. What started with basic packaging and manual tasks has evolved into something extraordinary. Today, individuals at Employment Solutions are trained to interpret satellite imagery and update critical street centreline data for our mapping systems the very data that enables GPS navigation, logistics planning, and route optimisation across Southern Africa. These are real jobs with real impact. Currently, the team is focused on digitising Mozambique’s road network a meticulous, high-value task carried out with precision and pride. Through hands-on training tailored to meet the needs of deaf workers and those with limited formal education, Employment Solutions has built a thriving model of supported employment in the digital economy. The collaboration is more than Corporate Social Responsibility it’s a vision for a future where ability is recognised, respected, and rewarded.

Six Ways to Maximise Your Retail Store’s Success with Trade Area Analysis

“We believe water security is set to become a new competitive edge. Supply chains will be judged not just on emissions but on water resilience. Banks will need to understand water adjusted credit risk, insurers will need to underwrite climate sensitive portfolios with location specific water intelligence, and investors will look for real impact and resilience,” says Helen Hulett, Chief Sustainability Officer at AfriGIS. Resolve Water is the platform that enables all of this by design. It brings transparency and actionable insights to businesses, helping them mitigate risk and invest in sustainable water solutions that have long term, measurable impacts on their bottom line. With more than two decades of experience powering location based solutions across the continent, AfriGIS brings the deep technical and contextual expertise needed to launch a solution of this scale and ambition. “This solution builds on the AfriGIS legacy of scaling solutions with trusted insights,” says Rochelle Mountany, Chief Executive Officer at AfriGIS. “With Resolve Water, we’re providing a platform that will not only help businesses understand their water exposure but also allow them to take action that drives resilience, compliance, and long term sustainability.”

Sharper insights. Smarter decision-making

Get game-changing customer insights

Unlocking Business Potential with AfriGIS data-driven Insights

The Missed Opportunity of Not Embracing Geospatial Science in Trade Area Analysis

AfriGIS quality data support optimal distribution of Caxton newspapers weekly

AfriGIS Launches Resolve Water

AfriGIS Announces Partnership with iPulse Labs to Strengthen Market Growth Strategy

We are proud to announce a strategic partnership with iPulse Labs, a leading cloud-based biometrics solutions provider. This collaboration aligns with our growth strategy, combining AfriGIS’ validated data with iPulse’s biometrics-as-a-service platform to enhance our collective market offerings. The partnership enables both companies to extend their reach and offer enhanced services, with AfriGIS gaining access to smaller markets previously beyond our scope. "Our shared history has allowed us to build a foundation of integrity and transparency," says Gary Chalmers, CEO of iPulse Labs. "This trust is invaluable in any partnership and allows us to tackle new challenges together." AfriGIS CEO Rochelle Mountany echoes this sentiment: "For us, partnerships are key to growth. By working with iPulse, we can offer new, scalable solutions that benefit businesses of all sizes."

Transforming Data into Actionable Insights for Banking and Financial Services

At AfriGIS, we specialise in transforming geospatial data into intelligent insights that drive growth and compliance in the banking and financial sector. Our solutions support Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, address validation, risk assessment, and strategic market expansion—helping financial institutions optimise operations while ensuring regulatory compliance. By leveraging authoritative data sources and cutting-edge technology, we provide banks with real-time address verification, climate-based risk analysis, and market insights that inform better lending, insurance, and expansion strategies. Discover how AfriGIS empowers banks to make smarter, data-driven decisions that benefit both businesses and communities.

Sophie Hasell Appointed Chief Revenue Officer at AfriGIS

AfriGIS is pleased to welcome Sophie Hasell as our new Chief Revenue Officer. A seasoned leader with 25+ years of experience in sales and business development, Sophie has a proven track record of driving growth and leading high-performance teams across industries, including financial services, public sector, and retail. As CRO, Sophie will spearhead revenue strategies, expand AfriGIS’s footprint in Africa, and enhance customer engagement with our trusted geospatial data solutions. Her experience at Microsoft SA, Ernst & Young SA, and T-Systems SA makes her the perfect fit to accelerate AfriGIS’s next growth phase.

Helen Hulett Appointed as Chief Sustainability Officer for AfriGIS

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Helen Hulett as our new Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). With over 17 years of experience at the intersection of water, sustainability, and business strategy, Helen has worked with leading global companies and organisations to address environmental challenges and drive innovative solutions for water security and sustainability.

AfriGIS Appoints Liza Nolte as New Business Development Manager

AfriGIS is proud to announce the appointment of Liza Nolte as its new Business Development Manager, effective 3 February 2025. Liza brings over 13 years of global industry experience, having worked in the UK and South Africa, gaining valuable international exposure. Most notably, she played a key role in driving inQuba’s global demand generation and marketing strategies while overseeing strategic partnerships with Microsoft, EY, and other key industry players. As AfriGIS continues its expansion across Southern Africa, Liza’s expertise in business development, strategic partnerships, and customer journey management will be instrumental in strengthening the company’s position as a leader in geospatial technology.

IT Systems Development Training Programme

AfriGIS has partnered with Go Fourth to launch a transformative professional learning programme aimed at addressing South Africa’s critical skills shortage in software development. This initiative is set to make a significant impact on youth unemployment while meeting the growing global demand for skilled IT professionals. Six learners have been selected to take part in the 12-month programme which will combine six months of classroom training at the Go Fourth campus with six months of on-the-job training at AfriGIS. They will be taught practical skills in IT Systems Development,C# and Java Development, as well as AWS Cloud Technology, and graduates will receive international certification. South Africa’s IT skills shortage of over 70 000 high-value digital jobs requires organisations to bridge the gap by providing meaningful pathways to employment and long-term success in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

Leroy Merlin partners with AfriGIS to build services marketplace

AfriGIS partnered with Leroy Merlin to bring a smarter, more efficient experience to South African shoppers. With our advanced mapping technology, customers can easily find reliable, vetted service providers in their area for all their home needs, whether it’s installations, repairs, or renovations. For service providers, our solution allows them to set clear operational zones, manage schedules, and easily reach more customers. Both customers and service providers benefit from a seamless, trusted platform that makes home projects simpler and more efficient.

The Importance of Context: How Geospatial Information Science Helps Us

At AfriGIS, we leverage geospatial information science (GIS) to give businesses and organisations the contextual understanding they need to ask better questions, leading to better answers, writes Rochelle Mountany, CEO of AfriGIS.

How AI is transforming geospatial analysis

Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming geospatial systems, automating complex tasks, and enabling smarter decision-making. From mapping land-use patterns to predicting future infrastructure needs, AI is helping organisations improve efficiency, accuracy, and inclusivity. Explore how quality data, natural language tools, and tailored solutions are shaping the future of spatial planning and sustainable development.

Are you really guarding your data

Cybersecurity is no longer just a defensive measure—it's a critical part of maintaining business continuity and protecting sensitive data. As threats like ransomware and phishing grow more sophisticated, businesses must implement multi-layered defences. At AfriGIS, we prioritise cybersecurity with rigorous patching and vulnerability scanning, ensuring that both our services and customer solutions are secure. Custom-developed systems, in particular, require regular updates to stay protected against evolving threats. By investing in proactive defence strategies, businesses can enhance security, improve performance, and safeguard against costly breaches in an increasingly digital world.

AfriGIS wins prestigious global hackathon on sustainable finance

AfriGIS is proud to announce that we have won the SustainableFinance.Live 2024 Hackathon with the innovative AgriEco Hub platform. Designed to connect smallholder and commercial farmers with financial institutions, the platform aims to drive sustainable agriculture and biodiversity while reducing financial risks. By leveraging advanced geospatial mapping, real-time environmental data, and weather forecasting, AgriEco Hub provides farmers with the tools to optimise resource use and enhance their operations. This solution highlights AfriGIS' commitment to creating impactful, technology-driven solutions that support environmental sustainability and green finance in agriculture.

AfriGIS welcomes new CEO to spearhead innovation in geoscience

AfriGIS, a leading geoscience data firm based in South Africa, has appointed Rochelle Mountany as Chief Executive Officer effective September 2024.

Staying ahead of unpredictable weather conditions

Staying ahead of unpredictable weather conditions By integrating weather-based data with policy information, AfriGIS allows MiWay to proactively inform clients about looming weather events, such as heavy rain, hailstorms, and lightning strikes. This protects clients’ assets and helps to prevent fraud, while also supporting MiWay's goals to reduce operational costs, meet regulatory standards, and promote sustainable business practices amid changing weather patterns.

Beyond borders – AfriGIS develops verified geospatial data for Africa

AfriGIS develops unique geospatial dataset for African continent. AfriGIS's verified and validated datasets cover the African continent's vast and varied administrative boundaries, enhancing strategic decision-making in sectors such as retail, logistics, and governance. Gain access to detailed polygon datasets and extensive data overlays through our APIs, which include everything from street centrelines to demographic insights. Unlock the potential of your African business with accurate mapping and data-driven insights from AfriGIS.

AfriGIS’s Peter Smythe appointed to GeoServer Project Steering Committee

We are proud to announce that Peter Smythe, Senior Systems Analyst at AfriGIS, has been appointed to the GeoServer Project Steering Committee. This role recognises his significant contributions to the GeoServer community and his dedication to advancing open-source GIS technologies. Join us in congratulating Peter on this prestigious appointment!

Addressing Geoscience Challenges in Africa

With 27 years of experience, AfriGIS offers unparalleled insights into the African market, backed by a commitment to providing reliable, accurate data.

A GIS leap forward in the customer journey.

Groundbreaking geospatial technology can enhance every step of the customer journey. An advanced autocomplete feature for pinpoint address accuracy, coupled with a service provider allocation system based on real travel distances, ensures swift and precise service for one of SA’s leading digital satellite TV companies. Time travel bands optimise installer matching for efficiency, while strategic planning significantly cuts operational costs.

What are you looking for?

The ability to quickly find and analyse information is key to making informed decisions. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are transforming search functions across industries, making them more spatially aware and contextually relevant than ever before. From optimising supply chains and planning urban infrastructures to enhancing customer experiences in retail, GIS technology provides precise, geospatially informed search results that drive efficiency and effectiveness. GIS assists in everything from route optimisation for logistics to risk assessment in banking and insurance, and even in choosing the perfect real estate location. Discover how GIS is revolutionising industries by enabling more informed property searches, optimising retail locations, aiding in environmental conservation, and enhancing the tourism experience.

Steering FMCG growth with GIS insights

Transforming FMCG sales with geospatial insights from AfriGIS In the competitive landscape of South Africa's FMCG market, a prominent national FMCG company partnered with AfriGIS to redefine its approach to sales and marketing. Leveraging the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the spatial data AfriGIS offers, this collaboration has set new standards in strategic decision-making and market penetration.

Black Swan events and their spatial consequences

Navigating the unpredictable with help from geospatial analytics In a world increasingly defined by unforeseen and impactful 'Black Swan' events, from the global ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic to abrupt geopolitical shifts, understanding and preparing for such unpredictability is more critical than ever. Through the expert insights of Brian Civin and Marna Roos from AfriGIS, we explore how spatial data and advanced weather forecasting can not only predict extreme weather events but also aid in effective urban planning and climate change mitigation.

Insurance companies weather the storm with threat alerts from AfriGIS

Insurance providers are partnering with AfriGIS to provide real-time weather alerts to clients via SMS and WhatsApp, helping them proactively protect their assets from weather-related risks like hailstorms, lightning strikes and other extreme weather events. This innovative solution leverages weather data, asset locations, automated messaging platforms, and API integration to enhance customer experience and reduce insurance claims, resulting in substantial cost savings for both policyholders and insurers.

Embracing the Power of Geospatial Technology.

The AfriGIS Data and Spatial Workshop, held on November 22, 2023, at the Premier Hotel in Midrand, Johannesburg, marked a significant event in the GIS community. Themed “Embracing the Power of Geospatial Technology: Becoming Future-Ready,” the workshop brought together experts and enthusiasts in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore the ever-evolving landscape of geospatial technology and its transformative impact across multiple industries.

Come rain or shine

GIS-enabled weather data analysis and visualisation are revolutionising the insurance industry, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where climate change impacts are substantial. Insurers are adopting geospatial solutions that integrate weather data from weather stations and satellites with location-based information. This enables them to assess risks more accurately, predict weather patterns, and enhance safety measures. By leveraging geospatial systems, insurers are delivering enhanced value to customers in an evolving and competitive market.

Industry-academia collaboration empowers next-gen GIS professionals

"Technical workshops provide hands-on experiences that allow our students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios,” says Dr Hansen. “It’s a mutual exchange of knowledge and resources that helps to produce graduates who are better equipped with industry-relevant skills and promotes the development of solutions that address real-world problems."

Accountable Institutions can rely on AfriGIS to verify client addresses anywhere and everywhere

Wherever your clients are, AfriGIS has you covered! Our geospatial solutions enable accountable institutions to verify client addresses accurately and efficiently. Enhance your compliance efforts with our trusted APIs. Stay ahead of the game and combat financial crimes effectively.

How geospatial data is revolutionising banking

Imagine a wealth of information on a single map. Location and geospatial services are making a significant impact on the banking industry. Geospatial data is an asset to the financial industry, offering banks a wealth of advantages impossible to gain from other data types, allowing banks to do everything from tracking their competition to measuring customer engagement. These powerful, data-backed decisions are benefitting industry profitability by enabling real world modelling in real-time.

AfriGIS celebrates ongoing commitment to skills development

South Africa is facing a continued shortage of critical skills, particularly in the information technology sector. Employers are struggling to fill the IT skills gap, with demand exceeding supply. That’s why AfriGIS made a commitment more than a decade ago to invest in several skills training programmes.

Proof that there’s more to uplifting people than skills transfer

Joseph was one of our first learners and he’s still with us 10 years later. He’s become part of the family, now has his own family, and a very promising career in geospatial intelligence. Read the story about how he went from hacking together his own PCs for LAN gaming and web development in Soshunguve to a call centre, Microsoft certification, to become a senior talent at AfriGIS.

48th SAFARI into Data

The objective of this SAFARI is to take a closer look at the Data we hold and process. We need to deliberate on, not only the Risks, but more so the Opportunities we have.

AfriGIS has Africa’s only verified and validated administrative boundary data

We are the first and only company that provides verified and validated geospatial data on Africa’s administrative boundaries, helping couriers, retailers, financial services and many more organisations do business across the continent.

Thank you – yes, you!

Why are maps more potent today than ever and very different from the ones we first encountered stored in rolls for Geography lessons at school? Brian Civin has been around considerably longer than AfriGIS’ 25 years (this May). And he has a key insight into why maps are a (not-so-secret) powerful new business enabler.

AfriGIS turns 25

This May we turn 25 years old, at a time when the industry's fortunes look set to soar.

8 ways we make location intelligence better

Why should you care what geospatial information and geographic information systems are?

Webinar with DALRRD South Africa

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) in collaboration with the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) invites you to a Webinar to introduce the open geospatial standards and why they matter. The purpose of this webinar is to cover the development, implementation, and the benefits of using open standards. Bringing in requirements on the evolvement of standards, having a forum to learn about existing and upcoming work, and network with other OGC members and experts.

How you can access fast financial services growth too

We don’t always need more data. Sometimes we need better data that’s more relevant so we can find new opportunities, new ways to serve customers, new ways to help the burgeoning teams of data scientists, product managers, marketers, and all the other people dedicated to turning things around and staying the path.

47th SAFARI into Credit

The objective of this SAFARI is to look at Compliance Issues that the Legal Practitioner is faced with. Join us at the Durbanville Conference Centre.

45th SAFARI into Credit

Get up-to-speed with what the 2022 trends and challenges are in the Market space. Don’t miss the opportunity to be informed about the Macro Economics currently playing out and what 2022 might have in store.

ACAMS South Africa Chapter: A reflection on the success of the Public Private Partnership model to fight Financial Crime in South Africa

The ACAMS South Africa Board would like to invite you to attend our next in-person event to discuss the success of the Public Private Partnership model to fight Financial Crime in South Africa. The key note speaker for this event will be the Director of the Financial Intelligence Centre, Adv Xolisile Khanyile.

Locating the Future with the Power and Potential of GIS

It is our belief that the power of GIS lies in its ability to transform organisational outcomes. That location-based intelligence solutions enhances customer satisfaction, grows revenue streams, streamlines operational performance, and ensures sustained profitability – regardless of the business sector.

Weather Insights that can protect properties, businesses and lives

Trust AfriGIS for accurate weather data. Get a better understanding of where your customers and workforces are and manage weather related risk and exposure by accessing valuable weather insights and web-based tools through AfriGIS solutions.

44th SAFARI into Credit

Get up-to-speed with what the 2021 trends and challenges are in the Market space. Don’t miss the opportunity to be informed about the Macro Economics currently playing out and what the balance of 2021 might have in store.

Charl Fouché, appointed to the Advisory Committee of the University of Pretoria’s Geoinformatics programs

With close to 25 years of experience in the geospatial world, Charl’s expertise and contribution to the industry continues to support the expansion of the GIS industry in South Africa and abroad.

University of Pretoria: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology Advisory Committee meeting

The Advisory Committee aims to liaise in a formal and structured way and on a regular basis with all sectors of the industry. This assists the department to develop and maintain a programme that meets the requirements of the industry and the workplace.

South Africa’s new smart cities: a roadmap for transforming all our cities

We are on the edge of a geospatial transformation in South Africa. GIS is the ultimate ‘connector of dots’, and is the key to unlocking the true value and potential of the smart technology that’s required to digitise urban ecosystems and make smarter cities a reality. GIS has the power to unlock rich new insights, power better decision-making, and act as a catalyst for new products and services across all industry sectors. It has the potential to add billions to our economy, improve the quality of life and wellbeing of our communities, and help protect our planet.

Meet AfriGIS Iris: A Window into the Inner World of Our Solutions

AfriGIS Iris was developed by our team of geospatial scientists with the explicit aim of taking you on an interactive journey to demonstrate the capabilities of AfriGIS Solutions.

AfriGIS welcomes new Chairperson

AfriGIS (Pty) Ltd takes great pleasure in announcing the appointment of Mr. Thabo Seopa as its Chairperson. Mr. Seopa represents Awande Capital Partners on the AfriGIS and Canard holding company boards.

Badminton Youngsters Bring Medals Home

Gauteng North’s primary school’s badminton team performed exceptionally well at the recent national championships. Although this team was dominated by players from northern Pretoria, it still consisted of representatives from all over the city.

A quick intro to geospatial standards and why they matter to you

There is a buzzword every year. We seem to have our pick of three letter acronyms and catch phrases in boardrooms in the same way we have top 20 music hits on the radio. “Geographical standards” have become one of those flavoured phrases.

The future of Big Data

The first quarter AfriGIS Data and Spatial Workshop took place on 3 April 2019 at the Bytes Technology Conference Centre in Gauteng, bringing together business and data experts to further explore the previous year’s theme on Big Data management, systems, procedures and analytics. This year, the focus in on the future of Big Data, and new ways of sustaining it...

Excellent customer service not an option, but a must-have!

Excellent customer service not an option, but a must-have! Mar 19 2018 SABS SANS 1883 and ISO compliant addresses AfriGIS address platform contains more than 40 Million searchable addresses Accurate and verified addresses...

How Location Insights answers the WHERE questions of your business

How Location Insights answers the WHERE questions of your business Dec 7 2017The fourth quarter AfriGIS Data and Spatial Workshop took place at the Bytes Conference Centre in Midrand on 6 December 2017. A lot of our longstanding and new clients from across Gauteng attended the event where changes and additions to the AfriGIS Dataset and Spatial Environment...

Standardisation a main driving force

Standardisation a main driving force Dec 6 2017 The 45th Plenary week of ISO/TC211 was held in Wellington, New Zealand, during the last week of November 2017. Like a symphony, it takes a lot of people working together to develop a standard. ISO’s role is similar to that of a conductor, while the orchestra is made up of independent technical experts nominated by our members...

High quality geographical data, trusted by government and corporate customers

High quality geographical data, trusted by government and corporate customers 13 Sep 2013 Technology innovation company, AfriGIS, held their 42nd successful Data Show at Bytes Conference Centre in Midrand on 5 September 2013. According to AfriGIS Managing Director, Magnus Rademeyer “constantly enhancing...

5 September 2013

AfriGIS Gauteng Data Show Bytes Conference Centre, Midrand

3 September 2013

AfriGIS exhibiting at 14th Annual ST Group User Conference Bytes Conference Centre, Midrand

23 July 2013 ITSSA Smart Mobility Workshop

Empowering Commuters: The Vital Role of Social Media and Mobile Apps Hosted at Aecom South Africa (BKS), Hatfield, Pretoria

AfriGIS hosts 41st successful Data Show

AfriGIS hosts 41st successful Data Show 10 Jun 2013 Quality data resulting in innovative, world-class solutions Technology innovation company, AfriGIS, held their 41st successful Data Show at Bytes Conference Centre in Midrand on 6 June 2013. “Highlights of the latest data release include the improvement of the Deeds and Cadastre links, enhanced allocation...