The municipal authorities in Yaoundé are seizing a critical opportunity to introduce order into the city’s taxi transport sector. This move represents a significant step in African governance aimed at modernizing urban services.

Luc Messi, the Mayor of Yaoundé, emphasized the importance of this new regulation. “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 this registration will be the sole valid identifier,” stated Mayor Messi.

Previously, taxi door numbers were applied by screen printers without robust security measures, leading to concerns about oversight and accountability within the transport network.

This situation 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 purpose: “The platform will enable the city of Yaoundé to establish a comprehensive database and enhance the security of its urban transport domain.”

During the launch of this initiative, a small number of taxi drivers participated in the initial registration process.

digital registration operation concludes october 5

However, not all drivers are receptive to the new measure. Jacques Didi, a taxi driver, voiced his skepticism, perceiving it as a governmental distraction. “Instead of focusing on road infrastructure problems, authorities are introducing something else – a QR code that will supposedly control and secure taxi drivers. I assure you, this will not succeed,” Didi asserted.

Conversely, Patrice Samen, a prominent figure in Cameroon’s transport unionism, expressed optimism, hoping this initiative will 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 unauthorized drivers. We will urge all taxi drivers to get identified,” Samen declared.

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 on non-compliant taxi drivers and owners.