AI fuels more than half of cybercrime in Africa as digital scams surge: INTERPOL
A new INTERPOL report indicates that artificial intelligence is now involved in over 55% of cybercrime cases across Africa. The surge in AI-powered scams and social engineering has led to a significant increase in financial losses across the continent.
Why it matters
The rapid adoption of AI by criminal syndicates poses a major threat to emerging digital economies and requires urgent international law enforcement cooperation.
Artificial intelligence is now powering more than half of reported cybercrime across Africa, allowing criminals to launch faster, more convincing and larger-scale attacks, according to INTERPOL's African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026 .
The report found that 55% of cybercrime cases recorded across the continent involve the use of AI, raising concerns as Africa's digital economy continues to expand.
With more than 1.1 billion mobile subscribers in 2025 , millions of people are relying on digital services, creating new opportunities for both innovation and cybercriminals.
Based on data from 36 African countries , the 40-page assessment says cybercrime has evolved into a highly organised, cross-border industry that is becoming harder for authorities to detect and stop.
Online scams remain Africa's biggest cyber threat
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