The municipal authorities in Yaoundé are seizing a critical opportunity to bring much-needed order to the city’s bustling taxi transport sector. A new initiative mandates the digital registration of all taxi owners and drivers operating within the Cameroonian capital.

Luc Messi, the Mayor of Yaoundé, emphasized the non-negotiable nature of this 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 upon completion of this registration will be the only valid one,” he declared.

Previously, taxi door numbers were applied by screen printers without any substantial security measures, leading to a lack of proper oversight. This situation is now set to change dramatically.

Catherine Kalisa, a technical advisor with the Yaoundé Green Mobility project and a key architect of the digital platform, explained its core objective: “The platform will enable the city of Yaoundé to establish a comprehensive database and enhance the security of this crucial urban transport domain.“

At the launch of the operation, approximately a dozen taxi drivers immediately complied with the new registration process, signaling the initial steps of this significant change.

Digital registration deadline set for October 5

Not all reactions were positive, however. Jacques Didi, a taxi driver, voiced his skepticism, perceiving the move as a governmental diversion. “Instead of addressing the problem of road infrastructure, the authorities are introducing something else entirely – a QR code that will supposedly control and secure taxi drivers. I assure you, this will not succeed,” Didi asserted.

In contrast, Patrice Samen, a prominent figure in Cameroon’s transport union, expressed optimism, hoping the initiative would finally curb the long-standing issue of illegal transport in Yaoundé. “Finally, the government has heard our pleas, as we constantly challenge them regarding clandestine transport and illegal drivers. We will urge all taxi drivers to get identified,” Samen stated.

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