AI-Driven Cyber Threats Escalate in Africa as Fraudsters Target People Over Systems, Experts Warn

Most African nations remain ill-equipped to defend against AI-powered and social media-driven cyber threats, warns Jason Lane-Sellers, Director of Fraud and Identity at LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

Using its Digital Identity Network, which tracks over 100 billion global transactions annually, LexisNexis has flagged Africa as a growing fraud target. Lane-Sellers points to the continent’s youthful population, mobile-first economy, and expanding digital payment systems as key reasons why cybercriminals are increasingly active across the region.

“Africa is a prime fraud target,” he said. “Mobile payments, alternative transaction methods and a younger digital base create the perfect environment for organised fraud.”

According to Interpol’s 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report, cybercrime now accounts for up to 30% of total crime in Western and Eastern Africa. South Africa leads in ransomware incidents.

Neal Jetton, Interpol’s Cybercrime Director, described the threat landscape as “in flux” and warned of AI-enhanced fraud techniques like deepfakes and impersonation scams. “No one country can address this alone,” he said.

Humans, Not Systems, Are Now the Primary Targets

Lane-Sellers explained that modern scams focus less on breaking systems and more on manipulating people, using tactics like phishing, social engineering, and romance fraud.

“People are more vulnerable than infrastructure. But many organisations still use tools designed to protect systems—not users.”

He stressed that generative AI (GenAI) now helps criminals scale attacks, generating realistic phishing emails, deepfake videos, and fake websites. Scams include job fraud, crypto schemes, and fake real estate listings.

At the same time, AI also offers a defence. Technologies can now detect document tampering, bots, and deepfakes in real-time, helping businesses verify identities and assess risks more accurately.

South Africa: A High-Value Target

LexisNexis identifies South Africa as a top target due to its developed financial systems and digitally active population.

Lane-Sellers called for a “trust no one” mindset, with stronger user verification, public education, and legal safeguards.

“Every interaction must be validated,” he said. “Trusted identities should flow freely, while suspicious transactions need more friction. It’s the only way to stay ahead in today’s fast-moving digital threat landscape.”