AI fuels more than half of cybercrime in Africa as scams surge – Interpol

Artificial intelligence is driving more than half of reported cybercrime across Africa, according to INTERPOL's African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026. The report reveals that 55% of cybercrime cases in the region involve AI, amplifying the speed, credibility, and scale of attacks as Africa's digital economy grows. With over 1.1 billion mobile subscribers in 2025, millions are dependent on digital services, providing opportunities for both innovation and cybercriminals.

Cybercrime in Africa has become a highly organized, cross-border industry, making it increasingly difficult for authorities to detect and stop. Online scams remain the most common form of cybercrime, with criminals leveraging AI, social media platforms, and mobile money services to target victims. Financial losses from cybercrime have surged from $192 million in 2024 to $484 million in 2025, attributed to AI-powered fraud, stolen login credentials, and sophisticated social engineering attacks.

Scam centres have been identified in 72% of surveyed countries, with West and Southern Africa experiencing the highest concentration. The report highlights distinct cybercrime trends across Africa. In East Africa, mobile money fraud and ransomware targeting critical infrastructure are major concerns. West and Central Africa face high levels of business email compromise and romance scams affecting businesses and individuals.

Southern Africa's advanced digital connectivity has made it an attractive target for international cybercriminal networks. AI is transforming cybercriminal operations through deepfake technology, AI-generated content, and digital sextortion campaigns. INTERPOL's partner, TrendAI, detected nearly 600,000 sextortion cases linked to these tactics.

The report also notes a rise in Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams, where AI generates realistic emails mimicking trusted contacts. Cybercriminal groups based in Africa have targeted businesses and individuals in Europe and North America, using infrastructure across several countries to conceal their activities. Synthetic identities, created by combining real and fabricated data, are used to open bank accounts, obtain loans, and register SIM cards while evading biometric verification systems.

Weak coordination between banks, telecom companies, and law enforcement agencies hampers efforts to combat cybercrime, as many African law enforcement agencies are not adequately prepared to respond to AI-driven threats. Despite the growing threat, 17 African countries introduced or updated cybercrime legislation in 2025, and Senegal launched an online reporting platform for online offences involving children.

Joint international operations have resulted in over 1,500 arrests, the seizure of electronic devices, and the recovery of more than $100 million linked to cybercrime.