Artificial intelligence is enabling more than half of cybercrime in Africa, according to a warning attributed to Interpol, highlighting the growing threat posed by increasingly sophisticated digital attacks across the continent.
Criminal networks are using AI to produce convincing phishing messages, impersonate officials and businesses, automate scams and target victims in multiple languages. The technology allows offenders to operate faster, cheaply and at a far greater scale than traditional methods.
Financial fraud remains one of the most common forms of cybercrime. Individuals, banks and businesses are increasingly exposed to fake investment schemes, payment fraud, identity theft and business-email compromise. Criminals can use AI-generated text, images, audio and video to make fraudulent communications appear authentic.
The warning comes as internet access, mobile banking and digital services expand rapidly across Africa. While digitalisation is creating new opportunities for commerce and public services, it is also exposing more people and organisations to cyber threats.
Small businesses are particularly vulnerable because many lack dedicated cybersecurity teams, updated software and resources for staff training. A single compromised email account or payment system can cause serious financial losses and disrupt operations.
Cybersecurity specialists say governments and businesses must invest in stronger digital defences. These include multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, secure data backups and training that helps employees recognise suspicious messages.
Cross-border cooperation will also be essential. Cybercriminals frequently operate across jurisdictions, making it difficult for national authorities to investigate attacks independently. Information-sharing between police agencies, financial institutions and technology companies can help identify criminal networks and protect potential victims.
Experts stress that AI itself is not the problem. The same technology can help detect unusual transactions, identify malicious software and respond to online attacks. The challenge is ensuring that security measures, regulation and law-enforcement capacity keep pace with its misuse.
Africa’s digital economy is expected to continue expanding, making cybersecurity a development priority rather than a purely technical concern. Protecting digital systems will be critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring that technology supports inclusive economic growth.
Africa Presents is a Pan-African digital magazine and monthly publication covering politics, business, economy, culture, tech, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. Visit africapresents.com and follow @AfricaPresents for daily coverage and monthly themed magazine editions.
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