**AI Linked to Half of Cybercrime in Africa – Interpol**
In a significant revelation, Interpol has reported that artificial intelligence (AI) played a crucial role in over half of the cybercrime cases examined across Africa in 2025. The findings, detailed in the African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026, indicate a troubling trend as criminal organizations increasingly leverage AI technologies to enhance their operations, automate attacks, and perpetrate large-scale fraud.
The report, which synthesizes intelligence from law enforcement agencies in 36 African nations, found that AI was involved in approximately 55% of the cybercrime incidents analyzed. This alarming statistic underscores the growing sophistication of cybercriminals who are utilizing AI to streamline their operations, making it easier for even less experienced offenders to execute complex attacks.
Financial losses attributed to cybercrime have surged dramatically, more than doubling from $192 million in 2024 to $484 million in 2025. This increase is largely attributed to the rise of AI-facilitated scams, credential harvesting, and automated social engineering campaigns that exploit unsuspecting individuals and organizations.
Interpol's report highlights the various ways in which AI is being exploited by cybercriminals. Among the tactics employed are the generation of convincing deepfake videos and voice recordings, the creation of synthetic identities for fraudulent activities, and the crafting of highly personalized phishing campaigns designed to deceive victims. The use of AI in these contexts has lowered the barrier for entry into cybercrime, enabling a broader range of individuals to engage in illicit activities.
The report also sheds light on the prevalence of sextortion cases across the continent, estimating around 600,000 incidents in 2025. South Africa accounted for 30% of these cases, while Kenya represented 13%. Furthermore, the findings revealed that 72% of the surveyed countries reported the existence of scam centers, with a majority located in Southern and West Africa.
In response to the escalating threat of cybercrime, African governments are taking proactive measures to bolster their cybersecurity frameworks. Earlier this year, Kenya announced plans to amend its cybercrime legislation to better address the challenges posed by AI-driven threats. South Africa has similarly raised concerns about the security risks associated with AI-powered attacks and deepfakes. Additionally, Senegal has launched an online reporting platform aimed at improving responses to online offenses, particularly those affecting children.
Neal Jetton, Interpol's Cybercrime Director, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Cybercrime has emerged as one of the most significant criminal threats to the region. AI is automating every stage of a cyberattack from reconnaissance and phishing to extortion and evasion.” This statement highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
The report also notes that 17 African countries enacted or updated their cybercrime legislation in 2025. In addition, four operations led by Interpol resulted in over 1,500 arrests and the recovery of assets valued at more than $100 million, showcasing the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime on the continent.
As the use of AI in criminal activities continues to rise, the need for collaborative international efforts and robust legislative frameworks becomes increasingly critical. The findings of the African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026 serve as a wake-up call for governments, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector to prioritize cybersecurity and develop effective countermeasures against the burgeoning threat of AI-facilitated cybercrime.