Yaoundé’s municipal authorities are implementing a pivotal initiative to bring order and enhanced security to the capital’s bustling taxi transportation sector.

“This registration process for taxi owners and drivers operating in Yaoundé, established by a municipal decree on June 25, 2026, is not optional. It is mandatory, and the door number assigned to each taxi after successful registration will be the only officially recognized one,” affirmed Luc Messi, the Mayor of Yaoundé, underscoring the seriousness of the new directive.

Previously, taxi door numbers were simply painted on by screen printers, lacking any robust security features. This system presented significant challenges in terms of regulation and accountability.

This situation is set to change dramatically, according to Catherine Kalisa, a technical advisor for the Yaoundé Green Mobility project, which spearheaded the development of the digital platform. “The platform will furnish the city of Yaoundé with a comprehensive database, enabling greater security and oversight within the urban transport domain,” Kalisa explained.

At the launch of the operation, several dozen taxi drivers promptly complied with the new registration requirements, signaling the initial phase of implementation.

digital registration deadline: october 5

However, not all stakeholders are receptive to the new measure. Jacques Didi, a taxi driver, voiced strong criticism, perceiving it as a governmental distraction. “Instead of addressing pressing road infrastructure issues, authorities are introducing something else entirely – this QR code, which supposedly aims to control and secure taxi drivers. I assure you, it will not succeed,” Didi stated emphatically.

Conversely, Patrice Samen, a prominent figure in Cameroun‘s transport unionism, expressed optimism, hoping the initiative will finally curb the rampant issue of illegal transport that has long plagued Yaoundé. “The government has at last heeded our calls, as we have consistently pressed them on the matter of clandestine transport and unauthorized drivers. We will urge all taxi drivers to undergo identification,” Samen declared.

The digital registration period for taxis is slated to conclude on October 5. Following this deadline, the Mayor of Yaoundé has announced that stringent sanctions will be imposed on any non-compliant taxi drivers and owners.