INTERPOL'S 'African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026' highlights that AI-driven cybercrime comprises 55% of reported digital crimes in Africa. This rise is attributed to AI-enabled scams, social engineering, and credential harvesting, with losses soaring from $192 million in 2024 to $484 million in 2025. Key issues include the proliferation of digital sextortion via AI-generated deepfakes, increased efficacy of business email compromise scams, and inadequate data sharing among banks and law enforcement.
Ransomware targeting healthcare and utilities, along with accessible Cybercrime-as-a-Service platforms, further exacerbates the situation. Despite challenges, there are signs of progress as 17 African countries enacted or revised cybercrime laws in the past year, leading to over 1,500 arrests and significant recoveries.