The 40-page assessment, based on survey data from 36 African member countries, said cybercrime has shifted from isolated criminal activity to an industrialised, borderless ecosystem powered by AI. Southern Africa, it noted, has become an attractive target for international cybercriminals due to its high level of internet connectivity. The report further identified digital sextortion and online harassment as persistent threats, driven increasingly by AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic media. Business email compromise schemes have also become more sophisticated, with AI being used to generate highly convincing email communications. Neal Jetton, Director of INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate, described cybercrime as one of the most significant criminal threats facing Africa.