Artificial Intelligence is now being used in more than half of all reported cybercrimes across Africa, according to INTERPOL's African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026.
The report said AI is enabling criminals to launch faster, more sophisticated and harder-to-detect attacks.
The report paints a worrying picture of the continent's evolving cyber threat landscape, warning that cybercrime has shifted from isolated criminal activity to an industrialised, borderless ecosystem powered by emerging technologies.
Based on survey data from 36 African member countries, the 40-page report found that 55 per cent of reported cybercrimes are now AI-enabled.
According to the report, Africa's rapid digital transformation-driven by more than 1.1 billion mobile subscribers recorded in 2025-has expanded opportunities for economic growth but has also exposed individuals, businesses and governments to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Online scams remained the most frequently reported form of cybercrime in 2025, with criminals exploiting mobile money platforms, social media and AI-powered tools to deceive victims.
Financial institutions, telecommunications companies and government agencies were identified as the sectors most heavily targeted by cybercriminals.
INTERPOL also found that cybercrime-related financial losses have more than doubled since 2024, rising from USD 192 million (Sh24.7 billion) to USD 484 million (Sh62.6 billion).
The increase has been attributed largely to AI-facilitated scams, credential harvesting and automated social engineering campaigns.
The report highlights the emergence of organised scam centres across the continent, with 72 per cent of surveyed countries reporting their presence.
Southern and West Africa recorded the highest concentration of such operations, while East Africa was identified as a hotspot for mobile money fraud and ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure.
In Central and West Africa, business email compromise schemes and romance scams targeting both companies and individuals remained widespread. Southern Africa's high level of internet connectivity has also made the region an attractive target for international cybercriminal groups seeking to maximise disruption.
INTERPOL further warned that criminals are increasingly using AI-generated synthetic identities to bypass biometric security systems. These fake identities combine genuine personal information with fabricated details, making them more difficult for financial institutions and digital platforms to detect.
Despite the growing threat, the report notes that many African countries continue to face challenges in responding effectively due to fragmented cybercrime legislation and low levels of AI preparedness among law enforcement agencies.
Neal Jetton, Director of INTERPOL's Cybercrime Directorate, said artificial intelligence is transforming how cybercriminals operate by automating nearly every stage of an attack.
"Cybercrime has emerged as one of the most significant criminal threats to the region. AI is automating every stage of a cyberattack-from reconnaissance and phishing to extortion and evasion," Jetton said.
He, however, noted that greater regional and international cooperation was proving effective in disrupting criminal networks.
"However, we see that when countries work together, cybercriminal infrastructure can be identified, disrupted and dismantled," he added.
INTERPOL called for stronger cooperation among African governments, improved cybercrime legislation and greater investment in AI capabilities for law enforcement agencies to counter the rapidly evolving threat.
