Artificial intelligence is now playing a major role in cybercrime across Africa, according to INTERPOL's African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026. The report finds that 55% of reported cybercrimes on the continent involve AI, enabling criminals to launch attacks that are faster, more scalable, and increasingly difficult for victims and security systems to detect. Drawing on survey data from 36 African member countries, INTERPOL says cybercrime has evolved from isolated incidents into an industrialized, cross-border criminal ecosystem fueled by AI and digital technologies.
The report highlights a sharp rise in financial losses linked to cybercrime. Since 2024, reported losses have more than doubled—from USD 192 million to USD 484 million—driven primarily by AI-powered scams, credential theft, and automated social engineering attacks. Online scams remain the most common cybercrime, with criminals using AI alongside mobile money platforms and social media to reach victims more efficiently. Financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and government agencies are among the sectors most heavily targeted.
INTERPOL also warns that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting AI to create synthetic identities, combining genuine personal information with fabricated details to bypass biometric verification systems and commit fraud. The report notes that 72% of surveyed countries have identified scam centers operating within their borders, particularly in Southern and West Africa. Despite the growing sophistication of these threats, many countries still lack comprehensive cybercrime legislation, and law enforcement agencies report limited AI readiness, inadequate training, and shortages of specialized cybersecurity resources.
The organization is urging governments to strengthen cybersecurity laws, invest in AI-enabled law enforcement capabilities, and deepen international cooperation to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. As Africa's digital economy continues to expand—with more than 1.1 billion mobile subscribers recorded in 2025—INTERPOL stresses that coordinated action between governments, industry, and international partners will be essential to keep pace with AI-driven cybercrime and protect businesses and citizens from evolving digital threats.
