Digitnomics 
By Francisca Anuforo
Artificial intelligence (AI) is now being used in more than half of cybercrime incidents reported across Africa, according to INTERPOL’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026, highlighting how cybercriminals are becoming faster, smarter and more difficult to detect.
The report, which analysed data from 36 African countries, found that AI was linked to 55 per cent of reported cybercrime cases, as criminal groups increasingly deploy automation, generative AI and other emerging technologies to launch sophisticated attacks across borders.
As Africa’s digital economy expands, so too does its exposure to cyber threats. The continent recorded more than 1.1 billion mobile subscribers in 2025, creating more opportunities for digital inclusion while also increasing the number of potential targets for cybercriminals.
Financial losses surge
INTERPOL said cybercrime-related financial losses across Africa have risen dramatically, climbing from $192 million in 2024 to $484 million, driven largely by AI-assisted scams, credential theft and automated social engineering attacks.
Online scams remained the most commonly reported cybercrime in 2025, with fraudsters increasingly exploiting AI tools, social media platforms and mobile money services to deceive victims.
The report also revealed that 72 per cent of surveyed countries identified scam centres operating within their borders, with West and Southern Africa accounting for the highest concentration.
AI making cyber attacks more convincing
According to INTERPOL, artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every aspect of cybercrime.
The report highlighted the growing use of AI-generated deepfakes in sextortion and online harassment campaigns. Partner organisation TrendAI reportedly recorded about 600,000 sextortion cases, underscoring the scale of AI-enabled abuse.
Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks have also become more sophisticated. Criminals now use generative AI to create highly convincing emails that imitate legitimate organisations, making phishing campaigns harder to identify.
Another emerging concern is the creation of synthetic digital identities, where criminals combine stolen personal information with AI-generated details to create fake identities capable of bypassing some verification systems. These identities have reportedly been used to open bank accounts, obtain mobile loans and register SIM cards.
Collaboration gaps remain
Despite growing awareness of cyber threats, INTERPOL said weak collaboration between banks, telecommunications companies and law enforcement agencies continues to hamper efforts to combat cybercrime.
The lack of real-time information sharing allows criminals to move funds and operate across multiple jurisdictions before authorities can respond.
Neal Jetton, Director of INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate, said AI is now accelerating every phase of cyberattacks.
“Cybercrime has emerged as one of the most significant criminal threats to the region. AI is automating every stage of a cyberattack—from reconnaissance and phishing to extortion and evasion. However, when countries work together, cybercriminal infrastructure can be identified, disrupted and dismantled.”
Strengthening Africa’s cyber resilience
While warning that cybercrime continues to evolve rapidly, INTERPOL acknowledged ongoing improvements in regional cooperation.
The organisation called for stronger cross-border collaboration, enhanced digital forensic capabilities, greater AI-focused training for law enforcement agencies and closer partnerships between governments and the private sector to improve Africa’s cyber resilience.
With AI rapidly reshaping the cyber threat landscape, experts say African governments, businesses and individuals must invest more aggressively in cybersecurity, intelligence sharing and digital skills to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
