Artificial Intelligence (AI) is implicated in more than half of all reported cybercrimes across Africa, according to the INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026. The report highlights how AI enables criminals to execute faster, more complex, and less detectable attacks.
Key Findings from INTERPOL's Report
- 55% of cybercrime incidents reported by 36 African countries in 2025 involved AI technology.
- Financial losses due to cybercrime surged from USD 192 million in 2024 to USD 484 million in 2025, largely driven by AI-powered scams and automated social engineering.
- Online scams remain the most common cybercrime, exploiting mobile money platforms and social media.
- Financial institutions, telecom companies, and government agencies are the primary targets.
- Organised scam centres are widespread, with 72% of surveyed countries reporting their presence.
- Regional hotspots include Southern and West Africa for scam operations, East Africa for mobile money fraud and ransomware.
- AI-generated synthetic identities are increasingly used to bypass biometric security systems.
Challenges and Recommendations
The report underscores that many African nations face hurdles such as fragmented cybercrime laws and inadequate AI readiness within law enforcement. Neal Jetton, Director of INTERPOL's Cybercrime Directorate, emphasized that AI automates nearly every phase of cyberattacks, from reconnaissance to extortion, intensifying the threat.
Jetton also noted that enhanced regional and international collaboration has proven effective in dismantling cybercriminal networks. INTERPOL calls for stronger cooperation among African governments, updated cybercrime legislation, and increased investment in AI tools for law enforcement to better combat the evolving cyber threats.
