Guinea has launched a national initiative to introduce 2,000 taxis in phases as part of a broader strategy to modernise urban transport, improve mobility across the capital region and expand employment opportunities for young people.
The programme was officially launched on Saturday by Guinea’s Minister of Transport and government spokesperson, Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, who confirmed that an initial fleet of 300 taxis has already been secured and will be deployed progressively across the municipalities of Conakry. The initiative is intended to improve access to reliable public transport while supporting the country’s wider economic transformation agenda.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the project forms part of the government’s Simandou 2040 development framework, an ambitious long term strategy that seeks to leverage Guinea’s natural resource wealth and strategic infrastructure investments to accelerate economic diversification, strengthen connectivity and improve public services.
Officials say the transport initiative reflects growing recognition across Africa that efficient urban mobility is increasingly central to economic productivity, social inclusion and sustainable city development. As many African capitals continue to experience rapid population growth and rising demand for affordable transport, governments are investing in modern public transport systems alongside digital mobility services.
Diallo said collaboration between the public and private sectors would remain essential to expanding transport options. He highlighted the role of ride hailing platforms and other technology enabled mobility services in complementing conventional taxi operations, broadening transport choices for commuters and encouraging innovation within the sector.
The government has indicated that the taxi modernisation programme will eventually be extended beyond Conakry to other regions of the country. Authorities also confirmed plans to introduce additional buses on intercity routes in the coming months as part of wider efforts to strengthen national road transport networks.
The initiative aligns with broader infrastructure investments taking place across Guinea, including projects associated with the Simandou corridor, which policymakers view as a catalyst for industrial development, regional integration and long term economic growth. Transport improvements are expected to support greater movement of people and goods while enhancing access to employment and public services.
Across the continent, governments are increasingly positioning transport infrastructure as a foundation for inclusive development. Investment in safer, more efficient and more accessible mobility systems is widely regarded as essential to supporting urbanisation, expanding economic opportunity and strengthening regional connectivity under the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
