Ahantu, a new platform, promises to simplify navigation by converting street addresses and geocoordinates into easily recognised places, such as villages, cells, sectors, and districts in Rwanda.
Besides enhancing personal navigation experiences, tech experts believe that Ahantu (a Kinyarwanda word for "place”) could also improve access to administrative and ecommerce services.
Developed in 2022 by Nigerian software engineer Paul Arah, the geospatial platform was used by the developer and a limited number until only recently.
It recently came to light as more users said testified to its handiness in simplifying Rwanda's address system and making it easier to understand for both locals and foreigners to navigate the country.
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Arah said that as a foreigner in Rwanda, he initially found it difficult to navigate the local address system, and he created Ahantu to simplify that.
"Kigali streets are usually identified by ‘KG’, followed by street numbers, but motorcyclists and taxi drivers often need specific cell or village names to accurately find a location,” Arah explained.
"I often had to rely on my landlord or local residents to provide details about the cell, village, or sector where I lived. This constant dependence made me realize how challenging it can be for someone else in the same situation, which inspired the idea for Ahantu,” he said.
When using Ahantu, you enter an address, say a street number and then the platform will automatically convert the address into GPS coordinates identifying the cell, village and sector of the coordinates provided. If you’re using a mobile phone, it can detect your current location and tell you the village, cell and sector.
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"This feature provides accurate, real-time results for your current or desired location. On a computer, typing in a nearby landmark offers the same functionality. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to provide precise navigation based on Rwanda’s unique address system (village and sectors names), which differs from apps like Google Maps, which just provide street number and sometimes landmarks,” Arah explained.
"The coordinates map the exact location, making it easy to find, even if you are guiding someone unfamiliar with formal street names or numbers. They can identify the location using the cell, village, or sector, and they will know what to tell the driver and have a general idea of where they are going.”
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Arah initially developed the platform for his personal use, but recognising the demand from his friends, he expanded it into a free and a user-friendly service, that can be used by more people.
Arah, who has been covering the costs of platform maintenance for the past three years, said that Ahantu's development journey was not without challenges.
He said the initial design lacked visual appeal as it was for his own use, but he later collaborated with designers and users to refine the platform’s interface.
"The first version of Ahantu was not visually appealing because I did not consider myself as a skilled software designer by then,” he said.
"To improve the design, I had to reached out to users (friends) for feedback. They showed interest as it also helped them to navigate in Kigali. I later collaborated with someone who was familiar with the platform designing and contributed to refining its visual aspects.”
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Nobert Haguma, a technology expert, explained how the platform could solve the challenge of identifying village and cell or sector details, required in many government procedures.
"Many government documents require village information, not just street numbers, which is why having access to this data is so important,” Haguma said in an interview with The New Times.
"A surprising number of people, including long-time residents, are often unaware of their exact village or cell. It is only when they need the information for administrative purposes that they realize they do not know it. That is when this platform becomes incredibly useful,” he said.
"The platform’s usefulness extends beyond government procedures, supporting the growth of e-commerce and transport services in Rwanda. Previously, giving directions relied on landmarks like trees, houses and others, but now users can pinpoint exact locations for businesses or homes.”
Haguma added that Ahantu allows drivers or delivery services to find destinations more easily, and "it’s especially helpful for foreigners and ride-hailing services.”