Market Trends of Africa Geospatial Analytics Industry
Commercialization of Spatial Data
- The availability and accessibility of spatial data in Africa have considerably expanded as a result of the development of satellite technology and the spread of remote sensing devices. For instance, organizations like the African Regional Data Cube offer free access to satellite imaging data, allowing companies to use geospatial analytics without incurring large up-front fees.
- The demand for geospatial analytics has increased due to the rising use of mobile applications and location-based services (LBS). For instance, geospatial analytics are widely used by ride-hailing businesses like Uber and Bolt to connect drivers with passengers, optimize routes, and boost overall service effectiveness.
- Agriculture and natural resource management techniques in Africa are changing due to the commercialization of spatial data. Precision agricultural solutions are being offered to farmers by businesses employing satellite imaging, weather information, and soil data.
- Increased production and resource efficiency result from these technologies, aiding irrigation optimization, crop health monitoring, soil fertility assessment, and prompt intervention. For instance, businesses like aWhere and Syecomp provide geospatial analytics tools designed specifically for African farmers, giving decision-makers useful information.
- The commercialization of spatial data is driving the adoption of geospatial analytics in the insurance sector in Africa. Insurance firms use spatial data to evaluate and reduce the risks associated with natural disasters like floods, droughts, and wildfires. Geospatial analytics aids insurers in premium calculation, speedy claim settlement processes, and precise estimation of the exposure of covered assets to potential threats.
Increased smart city & infrastructure projects
- African governments and local authorities are developing innovative city projects to raise sustainability, boost livability, and promote economic development. For instance, the South African city of Cape Town has used geospatial analytics to track water use, improve distribution, and deal with challenges related to water scarcity.
- Geospatial analytics is essential for the administration and planning of mobility in smart cities. African cities like Lagos, Nigeria, and Nairobi, Kenya, have used geospatial analytics to assess traffic flow, improve public transportation, and implement traffic management strategies.
- In smart cities, geospatial technology monitors and controls utilities, including water, power, and waste management systems. Geospatial analytics, for instance, are used in Johannesburg, South Africa, to monitor power distribution and identify electricity theft or unauthorized connections.
- Geospatial analytics improves resilience planning in smart cities and aids in evaluating environmental conditions. Geospatial analytics, for instance, has been used in African cities like Accra, Ghana, to identify flood-prone areas, create early warning systems, and enhance disaster response planning. According to the World Bank, Africa's urban population is expected to quadruple by 2050, underscoring the need for effective and long-lasting infrastructure development.