AI Powers Majority of Cybercrime in Africa, Interpol Warns -

Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving more than half of all cybercrime in Africa, enabling criminals to launch faster, more sophisticated attacks and contributing to rising financial losses across the continent, according to a new Interpol report.

The study, released on August 3 and based on responses from 36 African countries, identifies cybercrime as one of the region’s most pressing security challenges. Interpol’s Cybercrime Directorate Director Neal Jetton said AI is now being used throughout the entire cyberattack lifecycle, automating tasks ranging from reconnaissance and phishing to extortion and evasion.

The report estimates that cybercrime caused at least US$5 billion in direct economic losses across Africa in 2025, while reported financial losses more than doubled year-on-year to US$484 million, reflecting the growing scale and sophistication of digital threats as the continent’s digital economy expands.

Interpol warned that the threat is likely to intensify unless governments strengthen cross-border cooperation and invest more heavily in cybercrime investigations. The agency called for improved digital forensic capabilities, greater intelligence sharing between the public and private sectors, and enhanced AI expertise among law enforcement agencies. It noted that only 8% of surveyed cyber intelligence analysts possess advanced AI skills.

One of the fastest-growing threats identified in the report is the use of AI-generated synthetic identities, which combine genuine personal information with fabricated details to bypass biometric verification systems. These fake identities have been used to open bank accounts, secure loans and register SIM cards, making financial fraud increasingly difficult to detect.

The report also found that cybercriminal groups operating from Africa are increasingly targeting victims in Europe and North America through infrastructure spanning multiple jurisdictions. Meanwhile, East Africa has emerged as a hotspot for mobile money fraud and ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure.

According to the study, financial institutions, telecommunications companies and government agencies remain the primary targets of cybercriminals, highlighting the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures across the region. – ERMD