The municipal authorities in Yaoundé, Cameroon, are seizing a pivotal moment to bring order to the city’s taxi transport sector. This initiative aims to streamline operations and enhance security across the capital’s public transport network.

Luc Messi, the Mayor of Yaoundé, emphasized the compulsory nature of this new directive. “This registration of taxi owners and drivers operating in Yaoundé, established by municipal decree on June 25, 2026, is not optional. It is mandatory, and the door number assigned to each taxi following registration will be the only valid one,” stated Mayor Messi, underscoring the city’s commitment to strict enforcement.

Previously, taxi door numbers were simply painted on by screen printers, lacking any robust security features. This system presented significant challenges in terms of identification and accountability within the urban transport sector.

This antiquated practice is set to change with the introduction of a new digital platform. Catherine Kalisa, a technical advisor for the Yaoundé green mobility project, which initiated this digital solution, explained its core purpose: “The platform will enable the city of Yaoundé to establish a comprehensive database, thereby enhancing the security of this crucial urban transport domain.”

During the launch of the operation, a small group of taxi drivers, approximately a dozen, participated in the initial digital registration process.

Registration operation concludes October 5th

However, not all drivers are welcoming the change with enthusiasm. Jacques Didi, a taxi driver, expressed his skepticism, viewing the government’s move as a diversion. “Instead of addressing the pressing issue of road conditions, the authorities are introducing something else entirely – a QR code that supposedly will control and secure taxi drivers. I assure you, this will not succeed,” Didi remarked, reflecting a sentiment of distrust among some operators.

Conversely, Patrice Samen, a prominent figure in Cameroon’s transport unionism, holds a more optimistic view. He hopes this measure will finally put an end to the long-standing problem of illegal transport in Yaoundé. “The government has at last heard our pleas, as we have consistently appealed to them regarding clandestine transport and unregistered drivers. We will now urge all taxi drivers to undergo identification,” Samen declared, signaling union support for the new regulations.

The deadline for this comprehensive digital registration of taxis is set for October 5th. Beyond this date, the Mayor of Yaoundé has announced that sanctions will be imposed on any non-compliant taxi drivers and owners, reinforcing the seriousness of this new regulatory push.