New INTERPOL Report Reveals Cybercrime Accounts for Over 30% of Reported Crimes in Africa

A newly released INTERPOL Africa Cybercrime Assessment 2025 has revealed a staggering statistic: cybercrime now accounts for over 30% of reported crimes across the continent. The report underscores how online threats have evolved from isolated incidents into a major security challenge for African governments, businesses, and citizens.

The report highlights that phishing, online fraud, and ransomware remain the most prevalent threats, with business email compromise (BEC) emerging as the costliest cybercrime affecting African enterprises. Criminal groups are increasingly targeting small and medium-sized businesses that lack robust cybersecurity frameworks, exploiting weak systems to steal funds and sensitive data.

Financial losses linked to cybercrime in Africa are projected to surpass $5 billion by 2026, if stronger interventions are not implemented. Beyond financial damages, the human impact is significant. Many victims of online scams lose not only their savings but also their trust in digital services, threatening the progress of Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy.

The INTERPOL report also reveals that cybercrime syndicates are becoming more sophisticated, with some leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to automate phishing attacks and create convincing deepfakes used in financial fraud. These advancements are outpacing the ability of law enforcement agencies and businesses to respond effectively.

In response, INTERPOL has urged African countries to invest in cybersecurity capacity-building, improve cross-border collaboration, and enforce stricter cybercrime laws. The report also stresses the need for public awareness campaigns to educate individuals about common online scams, as well as stronger partnerships between governments and the private sector to secure Africa’s digital future.

As Africa embraces digital transformation in areas like e-commerce, fintech, and e-governance, experts warn that ignoring cybersecurity risks could undermine economic progress. The report is a wake-up call for stakeholders to act decisively before cybercrime further destabilizes the continent’s digital ambitions.