AI involved in 55% of cybercrime cases in Africa

Interpol reports that AI is involved in 55% of cybercrime cases in Africa, making attacks faster and bigger, and harder for victims to prevent. Africa is going through digital transformation, with over 1.1 billion mobile internet users by 2025, but cybercrime laws are still messy and law enforcement struggles.

Data from 36 African countries shows cybercrime is now like an industry, crossing borders. East Africa is a hub for mobile payment fraud and ransomware, while Central and West Africa see lots of business email scams and pig-butchering schemes. South Africa, with its good internet, is a big target for global attackers. Since 2024, economic losses jumped from $192 million to $484 million.

In 2025, online fraud is still the most reported crime in Africa, and 72% of surveyed countries have scam centers. Criminals use AI to make fake videos from stolen photos to open bank accounts and get loans. But African countries are fighting back: 17 updated laws, Interpol arrested over 1,500 people, and recovered over $100 million.