INTERPOL’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026 says artificial intelligence is industrialising cybercrime across the continent, exposing growing vulnerabilities as Africa’s digital economy continues to expand. The findings highlight one of the principal risks accompanying Africa’s digital expansion. As mobile banking, fintech platforms, e-commerce and digital public services continue to broaden financial inclusion, cybersecurity has struggled to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated criminal activity. Southern Africa’s comparatively advanced digital infrastructure has increasingly attracted sophisticated international ransomware groups seeking high-value targets capable of causing widespread operational disruption. Strengthening cyber governance, regulatory coordination and institutional capacity will be essential to sustaining Africa’s digital growth, attracting long-term investment and ensuring that technological innovation is matched by resilient and trusted digital ecosystems.