Artificial intelligence is fuelling a sharp rise in cybercrime across Africa, according to the 2026 African Cyberthreat Assessment Report released by Interpol.
The report found that AI was involved in 55% of reported cybercrime incidents, making attacks faster, more scalable and harder to detect.
The 40‑page assessment, based on survey data from 36 African countries, analysed cyberthreat trends between January 2024 and September 2025.
It highlighted Nigeria as one of the countries most affected by ransomware, data breaches, business email compromise (BEC), cryptocurrency fraud and money laundering.
Interpol said ransomware incidents were particularly prevalent in South Africa, Nigeria, Namibia, Senegal and Zambia, with attackers increasingly targeting healthcare institutions, utilities and public service portals.
TrendAI data showed Nigeria recorded 5,822 ransomware detections in 2025.
“Ransomware detections in 2025 provided by TrendAI reached record levels in Cabo Verde, with 16,997 detections, the second highest in Africa, while Nigeria recorded 5,822, reflecting the country’s dual role as an origin and target of cybercrime,” the report stated.
Business email compromise was identified as the “financial engine” of transnational cybercrime. Criminals used AI to craft convincing emails that mimicked executives’ tone and style.
South Africa accounted for 70% of BEC detections in 2025, while Nigeria accounted for 29%.
Nigerian‑based threat actors were also linked to international money laundering operations, routing illicit proceeds through cryptocurrency exchanges, shell companies and mobile payment platforms.
Cryptocurrency And Identity Exploitation
The report estimated Africa’s cryptocurrency economy recorded $205 billion in transactions between July 2024 and July 2025, with Nigeria accounting for $92 billion. This made the sector an attractive target for fraud and laundering.
Interpol also examined Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen identity verification. In 2024, the National Identity Management Commission required every SIM card to be linked to a National Identification Number.
While the measure reduced some fraud, criminals quickly adapted, using AI to register SIM cards under false identities and exploit gaps in Know Your Customer enforcement.
The findings underscore the growing challenge facing African governments and cybersecurity agencies as criminals combine artificial intelligence with established networks.
Interpol warned that without stronger oversight, AI‑driven cybercrime could undermine trust in digital platforms and financial systems across the continent.
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