Africa Records Over 18,000 Monthly Cyberattacks as Nigeria Faces Weekly Surge

Cybersecurity threats are escalating across Africa, with new reports revealing that the continent records over 18,000 cyberattacks every month, underscoring an urgent need for stronger digital defenses.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and digital hub, has emerged as one of the hardest-hit nations, facing waves of ransomware, phishing, and business email compromise schemes on a near-weekly basis. Experts warn that the country’s rapid adoption of digital banking, fintech, and e-commerce platforms has made it a prime target for global cybercrime networks.

According to security analysts, attacks are no longer limited to large corporations. Small businesses, government agencies, and even individuals are increasingly vulnerable, with cybercriminals exploiting weak infrastructure and outdated security measures. In some cases, hackers have targeted critical sectors such as energy, healthcare, and financial services, raising fears about the resilience of national infrastructure.

“Cyberattacks are becoming more coordinated and sophisticated, moving beyond fraud to systemic threats that can disrupt entire industries,” notes a recent report by regional cybersecurity experts.

The surge in cyber threats has prompted governments across the continent to strengthen regulatory frameworks. Nigeria recently tightened its ransomware and cybercrime laws, while countries like South Africa and Kenya are expanding investments in cybersecurity talent and local response centers.

Analysts stress that regional collaboration is key. With cybercriminals operating across borders, isolated national responses may not be enough. Pan-African partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms are increasingly being seen as critical tools to combat this growing menace.

As Africa continues its digital transformation, the challenge is clear: cybersecurity must move from being a reactive measure to a strategic national priority. Without it, the continent’s ambitious fintech, AI, and digital economy goals could be at risk.