INTERPOL has published its African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026, finding that artificial intelligence enables 55% of reported cybercrimes across Africa by making attacks faster, more scalable and harder to detect. Cybercrime-related losses have more than doubled since 2024, from USD 192 million to USD 484 million, primarily because of AI-facilitated scams, credential harvesting and automated social engineering. The assessment, based on survey data from 36 African countries, also identifies fragmented legislation and low AI readiness among law enforcement agencies. Online scams remained the most reported cybercrime in 2025, while 72% of surveyed countries reported scam centers. INTERPOL highlighted a lack of real-time data sharing among banks, telecommunications companies and law enforcement, which criminals exploit to create synthetic identities capable of bypassing biometric checks and opening bank accounts, obtaining mobile loans and registering SIM cards. The report recommends standardized digital forensic capabilities, stronger cross-border cooperation, greater AI literacy in law enforcement and formal public-private partnerships. Four INTERPOL-coordinated operations led to more than 1,500 arrests and the recovery of over USD 100 million.
2026-08-03INTERPOL
INTERPOL finds AI enables 55% of reported African cybercrime as losses reach USD 484 million
INTERPOL found that AI enables 55% of reported cybercrimes across Africa, while cybercrime-related losses have more than doubled since 2024 to USD 484 million. Gaps in real-time data sharing among banks, telecommunications companies and law enforcement are facilitating scams and synthetic identity fraud. The report calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, standardized digital forensics, AI training and formal public-private partnerships.