Artificial intelligence was used in 55% of reported cybercrimes across Africa, according to Interpol’s Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026.
The report, published Monday by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), said AI is enabling cyberattacks to be carried out more quickly, on a larger scale and in ways that are increasingly difficult to detect, according to Anadolu Agency.
Drawing on data from 36 African countries, the report found that financial losses linked to cybercrime have more than doubled since 2024, rising from $192 million to $484 million.
Online fraud was the most commonly reported form of cybercrime in Africa in 2025, the report said.
According to the findings, cybercriminals increasingly used mobile money platforms, social media and AI tools to target larger numbers of victims.
The report did not rank individual African countries based on cybercrime prevalence.
It identified East Africa as a growing hub for fraud targeting mobile payment systems and ransomware attacks.
West and Central Africa were highlighted as major centers for business email compromise (BEC) scams and online romance fraud.
Meanwhile, Southern Africa has become a key target for international cybercrime groups due to its high level of digital connectivity, the report said.
Interpol also noted that AI-generated deepfake content has become increasingly common in cases involving digital extortion and online harassment.
According to the report, Senegal launched an online reporting platform in 2025 to address online violations targeting children, while 17 African countries strengthened their cybercrime legislation during the same year.
Interpol said that more than 1,500 suspects were arrested during international operations coordinated by the organization, with hundreds of digital devices seized and more than $100 million in criminal proceeds confiscated.
The report called for stronger international cooperation, expanded AI training for law enforcement agencies and closer public-private partnerships to strengthen efforts against cybercrime.
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