The Post:
Tessa, as the CEO of My Dryva, you are at the helm of a tech-driven revolution in Cameroon’s transport sector. In 2026, as you continue your mission to professionalize the “Taxi Man” and expand into all 10 regions, how does it feel to see My Dryva evolving from a startup into a national standard for safety and reliability?
Tessa Lysinge:
It has been a long way. We started this venture because we saw a need to add value to the driving profession. Don’t just be a taxi driver. Anybody can be a driver, but driving with safety in mind has made the difference. The vision is to create a national standard, ‘MyDryva Standard’ in driving, particularly, to train drivers who can drive you safely and reliably. Our vision goes beyond our borders. We need the support the support of the Ministry of Transport to fulfil our dreams.
The Post:
The 2026 global theme is “Give to Gain,” emphasizing that when we invest in others, we all rise. You have “given” hundreds of drivers specialized training; what has the company “gained” in terms of brand trust and customer loyalty?
Tessa Lysinge:
That theme resonates deeply with my personal values of giving people opportunities and pushing them to stretch their limits. For My Dryva, we’ve added value to the driving profession by equipping drivers to see themselves differently—shifting their mindsets in how they carry out their jobs.
Regarding the brand, we are taking it one day at a time. We are three years old, so I still call us a “baby brand.” Our previous experience managing fleets for CHAN and AFCON (CAN) prepared us for where we are today, where we teach drivers to “Drive to be Safe, not to be Right. Anybody who has used our service appreciates our drivers and they keep asking for them each they have to move from one town to another. While we face startup challenges, we are investing in technology to capture real-time data. Currently, out of our regular database, we have achieved a 98% customer loyalty rate.
The Post:
The Cameroon national theme is “Rights, Justice, and Action for all Women and Girls.” In an industry where women often feel vulnerable, how is My Dryva taking “Action” to ensure safety and dignity?
Tessa Lysinge:
This question goes deep into my heart. To make women feel safe, we have launched the “Girls on the Wheel” project with the slogan: “She Drives, She Moves Forward.” In collaboration with the “Girls Tribe”, which is an NGO, we are training ladies to be confident behind the wheel. Watch us closely—we are about to produce the first generation of truly professional female drivers in Cameroon.
The Post:
Beyond transport, My Dryva is a platform for financial freedom. How are you creating pathways for women in logistics, and what “Justice” does economic independence bring?
Tessa Lysinge:
Economic independence is a form of justice. By professionalizing these roles, we give women the tools to command respect and fair pay. Our female professional driver program is the first step in ensuring that women aren’t just passengers in the economy, but the ones steering it.
The Post:
Looking toward the future, what is the “milestone” you want to reach by next year to make the transport industry a viable career path for young girls?
Tessa Lysinge:
The road ahead is long, but we take steps daily. Beyond our female driver program, we are planning the “Cameroon Safe Driving Symposium”. We want to collaborate with stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Transport, to make Cameroon the reference point for Road Safety in the CEMAC region and Africa. And, as for the state of the roads… (She laughs) …don’t ask me about that yet! We will save that response for the next Women’s Day edition!
Thank you, The Post, for your conviction in us .
