As Africa races to embrace digital technology, a shadow is growing alongside it—cybercrime. From mobile banking fraud to deepfake scams, criminals are increasingly exploiting the continent’s rapid digital transformation.
A recent report from Interpol reveals just how widespread and damaging cybercrime has become across Africa. For many countries, cybercrime now accounts for a significant share of overall criminal activity, often rivaling traditional crimes.
A Growing Problem Across the Continent
Interpol surveyed law enforcement agencies in 43 African countries and combined that data with information from cybersecurity firms. The findings are clear: cybercrime is surging everywhere.
In West Africa, 60% of officials say cybercrime makes up over 30% of all crimes reported. In East Africa, more than 40% feel the same. Phishing remains the most common attack method, responsible for about a third of incidents. But there’s more: ransomware, business email fraud, and malware services are also rising fast.
One disturbing trend is the spike in romance scams, where fraudsters create fake online relationships to steal money. This type of scam has surged in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin this year.
Digital Growth, New Risks
Africa’s mobile revolution has been a game changer. Over 320 million people use mobile internet today—a number expected to grow to 500 million by 2030. Smartphones now make up more than half of all mobile connections, opening new doors for digital inclusion.
But with this growth comes new dangers. Mobile platforms and banking apps have become prime targets for criminals. South Africa, for example, lost over $180 million to cybercrime in 2023, with most attacks focused on banking apps.
Interpol warns that many countries still don’t have strong enough cybersecurity defenses. Less than a third have national databases to track cyber threats or systems for reporting attacks. Even where progress has been made, like in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, new challenges like deepfake videos are testing defenses.
The Rise of AI and Deepfake Threats
Cybercriminals aren’t standing still. Many now use artificial intelligence to automate scams, create convincing fake videos, and trick victims more easily.
Deepfake technology—which can create realistic fake videos or audio—is becoming more common. According to Lagos-based company Smile ID, deepfake impersonations increased sevenfold in Africa during late 2024. These fakes can be used to impersonate people in positions of trust, leading to financial and reputational damage.
What Needs to Happen Next
Interpol’s report is a call to action. Africa must invest more in cybersecurity infrastructure, update its laws, and increase public awareness about digital risks.
Without stronger defenses and better cooperation between countries, cybercrime could threaten the progress Africa has made in connecting millions to the digital world.
The message is clear: as Africa embraces the future, securing that future must be a top priority.
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