Artificial intelligence (AI) is now utilized in more than half of the cybercrime cases reported across Africa, according to INTERPOL’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026. The report indicates that 55% of recorded cybercrime cases on the continent involve AI, which allows criminals to execute larger-scale, faster, and more convincing attacks.
As Africa’s digital economy expands, cybercrime has evolved into a highly organized, cross-border industry. In 2025, online scams remained the most common form of cybercrime. Criminals are increasingly leveraging AI alongside social media and mobile money services to target victims. This shift has contributed to a sharp rise in financial losses, which climbed from $192 million in 2024 to $484 million. Investigators attribute this surge to AI-powered fraud, stolen login credentials, and sophisticated social engineering.
The report highlights varying regional risks. In East Africa, the primary threats include ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure and mobile money fraud. West and Central Africa report high levels of romance scams and business email compromise (BEC), where AI is used to create realistic emails imitating trusted contacts. Southern Africa’s digital connectivity has made it a target for international networks seeking to maximize disruption.
Technological advancements are enabling new criminal tactics, such as the use of deepfakes and AI-generated content for online harassment and digital sextortion. One partner, TrendAI, detected approximately 600,000 sextortion cases linked to these methods. Furthermore, criminals are using synthetic identities—combining genuine data with fabricated details—to bypass biometric verification systems to open bank accounts, register SIM cards, and obtain mobile loans.
INTERPOL noted that weak coordination between law enforcement, telecom companies, and banks hinders the ability to combat these threats, as the lack of real-time information sharing allows stolen funds to move quickly across jurisdictions. However, the report also noted progress, including 17 African countries introducing or updating cybercrime legislation in 2025. INTERPOL’s joint international operations, such as Operation Serengeti 2.0 and Operation Sentinel, have led to over 1,500 arrests and the recovery of more than $100 million linked to cybercrime.
Key facts
- AI is involved in 55% of recorded cybercrime cases across Africa.
- Cybercrime-related financial losses rose from $192 million in 2024 to $484 million in 2025.
- Online scams were the most common form of cybercrime in 2025.
- Criminals are using synthetic identities to open bank accounts and obtain mobile loans.
- INTERPOL’s joint operations have resulted in over 1,500 arrests and $100 million recovered.