Yaoundé’s municipal authorities view this as a critical opportunity to impose order on the capital’s bustling taxi industry. This initiative aims to streamline operations and enhance security within the city’s transport sector.

Luc Messi, the Mayor of Yaoundé, emphasized that this registration for taxi owners and drivers operating within the city, established by a municipal decree on June 25, 2026, is not optional. He stated its mandatory nature, confirming that the unique door number assigned to each taxi upon successful registration will be the sole valid identifier.

Previously, taxi door numbers were merely painted on by screen printers, lacking any robust security features. This system often led to inconsistencies and security vulnerabilities within the public transport network.

This situation is set to change, according to Catherine Kalisa, a technical advisor for the Yaoundé green mobility project and initiator of the new digital platform. She explained that “the platform will provide the city of Yaoundé with a comprehensive database, thereby enhancing the security of its urban transport sector.” This digital approach aims to create a more reliable and traceable system for taxi services.

Upon the launch of the operation, approximately a dozen taxi drivers completed the registration process, signaling the initial phase of compliance with the new regulations.

digital registration concludes on october 5

However, Jacques Didi, a taxi driver, criticized the initiative, calling it a government ploy. He lamented, “Instead of addressing critical road infrastructure issues, authorities are introducing something entirely different – a QR code that supposedly controls and secures taxi drivers. I assure you, this will not succeed.” His skepticism highlights concerns among some drivers regarding the priorities of the municipal government.

Conversely, Patrice Samen, a prominent figure in Cameroon’s transport unionism, expressed optimism, hoping this marks the end of the much-criticized clandestine transport in Yaoundé. He stated, “Finally, the government has heard our pleas, as we daily challenge them on the issue of illegal transport and unlicensed drivers. We will now urge all taxi drivers to undergo identification.” This shows a division of opinion within the transport community.

The digital registration operation for taxis is slated to conclude on October 5. Following this deadline, the Mayor of Yaoundé announced that sanctions would be imposed on non-compliant taxi drivers and owners, underscoring the seriousness of the new regulations for the city’s transport system.