In 2025, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to routing saved commuters in Douala and Yaoundé a collective total of over 136,000 hours, according to a study by Yango Group. This technology optimizes routes in real-time, adapting to traffic conditions and providing significant time savings for residents of these Cameroonian metropolises. In Yaoundé, the average saving per user is 81 minutes per year, while in Douala, it is 63 minutes per year, thereby improving urban mobility and productivity.
Road congestion is a major challenge in rapidly expanding African cities, negatively impacting the economy and quality of life. Yango Group's study highlights how AI can transform the management of urban travel. By comparing AI-optimized routes with traditional routes, the study reveals considerable efficiency gains through machine learning and live traffic data analysis. This approach enables dynamic adaptation to road conditions, reducing travel times and improving traffic flow.
Yango Group's study analyzed millions of trips made via the Yango Ride application in 2025. AI algorithms take into account various factors such as road characteristics, traffic light cycles, and intersection complexity to predict and avoid congestion. This self-learning technology continuously improves by comparing predicted travel times with actual times, adapting to the specificities of each city, including the dynamic road conditions of Douala and Yaoundé.
Adeniyi Adebayo, Chief Business Officer of Yango Group, emphasizes that time lost in traffic jams has a direct impact on productivity, family life, and economic opportunities in many African cities. He highlights the importance of AI as a practical infrastructure, capable of improving the efficiency of mobility services and returning valuable time to citizens. This approach is part of a broader vision of smart cities, where technology is used to serve the well-being of populations.
Beyond individual time savings, intelligent routing contributes to urban sustainability goals. By reducing vehicle idle time and optimizing traffic distribution, Yango's AI technology helps improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This approach is essential for the development of greener and more resilient cities, capable of facing growing environmental challenges.
The results of Yango Group's study show that the impact of AI on urban mobility is not limited to Africa. Globally, more than 5 million hours have been saved in cities such as Lima and Guatemala City, demonstrating the adaptability and effectiveness of these solutions in diverse urban contexts. These figures underscore the potential of AI to transform urban mobility on a global scale, improving the quality of life for citizens and contributing to more sustainable cities.
In conclusion, the application of AI to routing in Douala and Yaoundé in 2025 has resulted in significant time savings for users, thereby improving urban mobility and productivity. This initiative is part of a global trend where AI is used to optimize urban services and contribute to smarter and more sustainable cities. Yango Group, present in more than 35 countries, continues to develop technologies that transform complex algorithms into accessible tools serving cities and their inhabitants.
