On the occasion of the first National Road Safety Forum organized by the Ministry of Transport in Yaoundé, artificial intelligence emerged as a central lever in the discussions. Public decision-makers, experts, civil society, and private sector actors gathered around a common goal: to explore how intelligent technologies can help prevent accidents, ease traffic flow, and enhance user safety in the country’s cities.
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In a context marked by rapid urbanization and increasing pressure on road infrastructures, the discussions highlighted the need to adopt innovative approaches adapted to local realities. Speaking during a panel dedicated to these issues, Elodie Filopon, Head of Public Policy for Yango in Francophone Africa, emphasized that technological platforms now have concrete tools to contribute to safer mobility. She notably explained that real-time analysis of traffic conditions, combined with intelligent routing algorithms, not only optimizes routes but also limits users’ exposure to high congestion areas, often associated with an increased risk of incidents.
Her intervention was based on the lessons from the recent white paper published by Yango Group, which highlights the tangible impact of these technologies on urban mobility. In Cameroon, particularly in Yaoundé and Douala, the use of intelligent navigation systems already helps reduce travel times while smoothing traffic flow, thus contributing to overall better road safety.
Beyond route optimization, Elodie Filopon also recalled that these technological advances concretely translate into user experience through safety features integrated into the app. Even before a ride begins, passengers have access to the driver’s identity through their photo, rating, and regular checks performed on their profile and vehicle. During the trip, a safety center accessible directly in the app allows, for example, sharing the route in real time with relatives, quickly contacting authorities in case of emergency via a dedicated button, or alerting a specialized assistance team. Moreover, tracking systems detect risky behaviors, such as speeding or unusual deviations, to intervene quickly if necessary.
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Beyond technological solutions, the discussions also stressed the need for shared responsibility among different actors. Elodie Filopon reminded that sustainable improvement in road safety relies on close collaboration between public authorities, private companies, and users themselves. She highlighted the importance of raising driver awareness, encouraging the adoption of digital tools, and establishing regulatory frameworks capable of supporting innovation.
The participation of technological actors in this forum illustrates an evolution in road safety approaches, where data and artificial intelligence complement traditional public policies. In a country like Cameroon, where challenges remain significant, these solutions could contribute to sustainably transforming mobility habits and improving user safety on a daily basis.
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