The municipal authorities in Yaoundé are seizing a crucial opportunity to bring order to the city’s taxi transport sector. This initiative aims to streamline operations and enhance security within the urban mobility landscape of Cameroon’s capital.

Mayor Luc Messi of Yaoundé has confirmed that the digital registration for all taxi owners and drivers operating in the city, established by a municipal decree on June 25, 2026, is not optional. It is a mandatory requirement, and the unique door number assigned to each taxi upon successful registration will be the sole valid identifier moving forward.

Previously, taxi door numbers were simply painted on by screen printers, lacking any robust security features. This new digital approach marks a significant departure from past practices, introducing a more secure and verifiable system for Yaoundé taxis.

Catherine Kalisa, a technical advisor for the Yaoundé green mobility project and an initiator of the digital platform, explained the vision behind the change. She emphasized that the platform will provide the city of Yaoundé with a comprehensive database, enabling better security and regulation within the urban transport sector. During the launch of the operation, a number of taxi drivers promptly completed the registration process.

Digital registration campaign concludes on October 5

However, not all drivers share the enthusiasm. Jacques Didi, a taxi driver, voiced his skepticism, perceiving the new measure as a governmental diversion. He argued, “Instead of addressing the pressing issue of road conditions, the authorities are introducing something else, a QR code that supposedly controls and secures taxi drivers. I assure you, this will not succeed.”

Conversely, Patrice Samen, a prominent figure in Cameroon’s transport unionism, expressed optimism that this initiative would finally curb the widespread issue of clandestine transport in Yaoundé. “The government has at last listened to our pleas, as we daily challenge them on illegal transport and unauthorized drivers. We will urge all taxi drivers to get identified,” Samen stated, signaling union support for the registration drive.

The deadline for this essential digital taxi registration process is set for October 5. After this date, Mayor Luc Messi has announced that non-compliant taxi drivers and owners will face penalties, underscoring the city’s commitment to enforcing the new regulations.