To combat insecurity and modernize urban transport in Cameroon’s capital, the Yaoundé City Council has launched a mandatory digital registration process for all taxis. Although the operation is entirely free of charge, the massive turnout at registration centres and tax compliance requirements have prompted adjustments on the ground.
Combating assaults in unlicensed vehicles, door-side thefts and passenger kidnappings has become an urgent security priority, prompting the Yaoundé City Council in Cameroon to make digital identification mandatory for taxis. In response to the proliferation of fake drivers operating with impunity, the city mayor signed an order on July 3 requiring all taxi operators to register. From now on, every compliant taxi must display a QR code and a unique identification number on its doors, allowing passengers to instantly verify the driver’s identity. To date, nearly 24,000 taxis, 19,000 owners and 20,000 drivers have been registered, with daily applications reaching between 1,000 and 1,200.
“The idea is to ensure that passengers are safe while being transported by taxi drivers, which was not the case before. Registration can be completed here at the City Council, at the district councils, or online. When you arrive here, you first submit all the documents relating to the taxi, its owner and the driver. You are then registered. Once registration is complete, you join the queue and receive your QR code. This campaign is entirely free of charge. Once you receive the QR code, you can have it printed wherever you choose.”
Dr Stanley Mungwe, Technical Lead of the Taxi Registration Project – Cameroon
To enforce the municipal order, strict checks are now being carried out across the capital’s main roads. As a result, hundreds of vehicles that are not registered or do not display their door identification numbers are being impounded. This firm enforcement approach is prompting drivers to rush to registration centres. While some taxi drivers welcome the need for this modernization, they are encountering certain difficulties on site.
“We have not refused to comply with the orders; we are following them. But they also need to understand our situation. We are family men. They gave us advance notice and even put up banners. The fault does not lie with us, but with them. There is a problem because they say the network is causing difficulties. As you can see, we have not refused to comply. We have paid, and we continue to pay. But honestly, they need to understand our situation. Impounding our vehicles over a simple door identification number is not right.”
Désiré, Taximan – Cameroon
“Yes, we have been made to pay the tax twice, despite having all the necessary documents, including insurance and everything else. Yet they would rather impound our vehicles over a simple door identification number, when the deadline could easily be extended. There is no reason why the deadline cannot be extended. We have not refused to pay. We have shown our willingness to comply, and all our documents are in order. Yes, we pay, and we are ready to display the door number. But if the process is to be digitized, we should be given more time. The deadline needs to be extended so that we have enough time and the public can be properly informed and sensitized.”
Hubert, Taximan – Cameroon
To avoid overcrowding and ease the burden on taxi operators, the city council has trained additional staff and expanded its registration capacity on the ground. These adjustments are essential to achieving the goal of a safer, digitalized and more efficient urban transport system in Yaounde.
