Yaoundé mandates digital registration for all taxis in a push for urban transport reform

The municipal authorities in Yaoundé are seizing a critical opportunity to impose order and structure on the capital’s taxi transport sector. This initiative aims to enhance safety and efficiency across the city.

Mayor Luc Messi of Yaoundé underscored the compulsory nature of the new regulation: « This registration process for 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 following this registration will be the only valid one. »

Historically, taxi door numbers were painted on by screen printers without any substantial security guarantees, leading to inconsistencies and potential misuse. This long-standing practice is now set to change dramatically.

Catherine Kalisa, a technical advisor for the Yaoundé green mobility project and an architect of the new digital platform, explained its purpose: « The platform will equip the city of Yaoundé with a comprehensive database, enabling us to secure this vital urban transport domain. »

At the launch of this significant operation, a handful of taxi drivers promptly complied with the new digital registration requirements.

Registration period concludes on October 5

However, not all drivers view the initiative favorably. Jacques Didi, a taxi driver, expressed his strong disapproval, perceiving it as a governmental ploy. « Instead of addressing the critical issue of road infrastructure, 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, » he stated.

Conversely, Patrice Samen, a prominent figure in Cameroon’s transport union movement, voiced optimism that this measure will finally curb the pervasive problem of illegal transport in Yaoundé. « The government has at last heard our pleas, as we daily challenge them on the issue of clandestine transport and unregistered drivers. We will urge all taxi drivers to undergo identification, » Samen affirmed.

The digital registration drive for taxis is scheduled to conclude on October 5. Following this deadline, Mayor Luc Messi confirmed that sanctions would be imposed on non-compliant taxi drivers and owners.