In the 2022 version of the Interpol Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report, Interpol pointed out that South Africa was the third most attacked country in the world and experienced the most cyberattacks on the African continent. In its 2024 report, Interpol pointed out that the African cyber threat landscape 2023 remained highly dynamic, with attacks evolving rapidly in sophistication and scale.

To further illustrate the rapid growth of cybercrime, it is estimated that in 2023, the average number of weekly cyberattacks per organisation in Africa increased by 23% year-on-year, making it the highest average globally. Business Email Compromise Scams and Ransomware Attacks were identified as the biggest risks African organisations face.

African member countries have taken important steps to enhance cyber resilience and law enforcement capabilities in response to the escalating threat posed by cybercrimes. The Interpol report points out that there was an increase in arrests, actions, and investigations, aided by the expansion of anti-cybercrime resources. For instance, 19 member countries highlighted a cumulative total of 10,490 arrests related to cybercrime from January to December 2023. Considering these countries represent only 35 per cent of the continent, the total number of cybercrime arrests is likely much higher. Over the last two years, a dozen African countries have adopted or have engaged in the process of adopting new cybercrime-related legislation. This marks a proactive stride towards strengthening legal frameworks to combat cybercrime. There was also substantial growth in investment in countering cybercrime on the continent, including from African member countries and stakeholders outside the region.

During International Fraud Awareness Week (17-24 November 2024), we are encouraged to be aware of the threat landscape and to take appropriate steps to protect ourselves and prevent ourselves from becoming victims of cybercrime. Further, it is encouraging that the Interpol report adds that 2023 more countries established dedicated cybercrime units in 2023. Nearly half of these units also increased staffing levels, and over 60% reported being involved in capacity-building initiatives. Furthermore, there were over 130 training initiatives and more than 40 public awareness campaigns on the continent.