The municipal authorities in Yaoundé are seizing a crucial opportunity to bring much-needed order to the city’s taxi transport sector.

“This registration of taxi owners and drivers operating in Yaoundé, mandated by a municipal decree issued on June 25, 2026, is not optional. It is compulsory, and the door number assigned to each taxi after successful registration will be the only valid one,” affirmed Luc Messi, the Mayor of Yaoundé.

Previously, taxi door numbers were applied by screen printers without any substantial security measures. This practice often led to inconsistencies and a lack of proper oversight within the urban transport system.

However, this situation is set to change dramatically, according to Catherine Kalisa, a technical advisor for the Yaoundé Green Mobility project and the driving force behind the new digital platform. “The platform will furnish the city of Yaoundé with a comprehensive database, enabling us to secure this vital urban transport domain,” Kalisa explained.

At the launch of this initiative, a handful of taxi drivers promptly completed the registration process, signaling the start of this significant transition.

Digital registration campaign concludes on October 5

Not all reactions have been positive. Jacques Didi, a taxi driver, expressed his criticism, viewing the measure as a government diversion. “Instead of addressing the pressing issue of road conditions, authorities introduce something else, like a QR code, supposedly to control and secure taxi drivers. I assure you, this will not succeed,” Didi stated.

Conversely, Patrice Samen, a prominent figure in Cameroon’s transport unionism, voiced his optimism, hoping the move will finally curb the rampant illegal transport often criticized in Yaoundé. “The government has at last listened to our pleas, as we constantly call for action against clandestine transport and unauthorized drivers. We will urge all taxi drivers to undergo identification,” Samen declared.

The digital registration campaign 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.