Cybercrime is becoming one of Africa’s fastest-growing security threats.
Online scams and artificial intelligence-powered attacks are driving significant financial losses across the continent, according to the INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026.
The report shows that 55 per cent of cybercrimes reported in Africa are now AI-enabled, highlighting how criminals are increasingly using advanced technology to launch more sophisticated attacks.
Online scams remain the most commonly reported form of cybercrime, while financial services, telecommunications and government institutions are the sectors most frequently targeted.
INTERPOL estimates cybercrime losses in Africa have more than doubled since 2024, reaching approximately US$484 million.
Southern and West Africa continue to record the highest concentration of scam centres, with 72 per cent of surveyed countries reporting their presence.
The assessment also warns that cybercriminals are increasingly using AI-generated synthetic identities to bypass biometric verification systems, making fraud more difficult to detect.
The findings underscore the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures, regional cooperation and public awareness to combat the evolving digital threat.
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