The municipal authorities in Yaoundé, Cameroon, are seizing a crucial opportunity to streamline the city’s taxi transport sector. This initiative aims to bring order and enhanced security to urban mobility.

Luc Messi, the Mayor of Yaoundé, emphasized the compulsory nature of this new directive. “The registration of taxi owners and drivers operating in Yaoundé, established by a municipal decree on June 25, 2026, is not optional. It is mandatory, and the door number assigned to each taxi upon successful registration will be the sole valid identifier,” he stated.

Previously, taxi door numbers were painted on by screen printers, a system that lacked robust security measures. This is set to change with the introduction of the new digital platform.

Catherine Kalisa, a technical advisor for the Yaoundé green mobility project and an architect of the digital platform, explained its advantages: “This platform will enable the city of Yaoundé to build a comprehensive database, thereby significantly enhancing the security of the urban transport sector.“

At the launch of the operation, approximately a dozen taxi drivers completed the registration process, marking the initial steps of this widespread effort.

Digital registration deadline set for October 5

However, not all drivers share the enthusiasm for the new system. Jacques Didi, a taxi driver, expressed his skepticism, suggesting it’s a diversion by the government. “Instead of addressing the pressing issue of road conditions, authorities are introducing something else – a QR code that supposedly controls and secures taxi drivers. I assure you, this will not succeed,” he asserted.

In contrast, Patrice Samen, a prominent figure in Cameroon’s transport unionism, views this initiative as a long-awaited solution. He hopes it will finally put an end to the rampant issue of illegal transport and unregistered drivers in Yaoundé. “Finally, the government has heard our pleas, as we constantly challenge them regarding clandestine transport and unauthorized drivers. We will urge all taxi drivers to get identified,” Samen declared.

The digital registration period for taxis will conclude on October 5. Following this deadline, the Mayor of Yaoundé has announced that stringent sanctions will be imposed on any non-compliant taxi drivers and owners.