The municipal authorities in Yaoundé are seizing a crucial opportunity to bring order and regulation to the city’s bustling taxi transport sector.

Luc Messi, the Mayor of Yaoundé, emphasized that this registration process for taxi owners and drivers operating within the city, established by a municipal decree on June 25, 2026, is not optional. It is mandatory, and the unique door number assigned to each taxi upon successful registration will be the only one recognized as valid.

Previously, taxi door numbers were simply painted on by screen printers, a system that offered little in terms of security or official verification.

This situation is set to change, according to Catherine Kalisa, a technical advisor for the Green Mobility Yaoundé project and a key figure behind the new digital platform. She explained that the platform will provide Yaoundé with a comprehensive database, significantly enhancing the security and regulation of its urban transport sector.

At the launch of the initiative, a handful of taxi drivers promptly complied with the new registration requirements.

Digital registration drive concludes October 5

However, not all reactions were positive. Jacques Didi, a taxi driver, expressed skepticism, criticizing the government’s priorities. “Instead of addressing the pressing issue of road conditions, authorities are introducing something else entirely – a QR code system supposedly designed to control and secure taxi drivers. I assure you, this will not succeed,” he stated.

In contrast, Patrice Samen, a prominent figure in Cameroon‘s transport union, voiced optimism, hoping this measure would finally curb the widespread issue of illegal transport in Yaoundé. “The government has at last heeded our calls, as we constantly pressed them on the problem of clandestine transport and unregistered drivers. We will now urge all taxi drivers to undergo identification,” he affirmed.

The digital registration initiative for taxis is scheduled to conclude on October 5th. Following this deadline, the Mayor of Yaoundé has declared that sanctions will be imposed on non-compliant taxi drivers and owners.