Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
04 July 2025 | 09:28 CAT

📸 Cybercrime grows as law struggles to keep pace.

Interpol’s latest Africa Cyber Threat Assessment Report has ignited deep concern, revealing that cybercrime now accounts for over 30% of all reported crimes in East and West Africa. With phishing, scams, and digital fraud surging, experts warn that many African nations remain ill-equipped to combat this growing digital menace.

“Cybercrime is happening on all levels now,” warns Professor Sizwe Snail ka Mtuze, a leading cyber law expert and director of Snail Attorneys. “We have big-time syndicates targeting companies for large ransoms, and small-time criminals stealing from ordinary citizens, sometimes as little as $10, which could be life-altering to someone.”

The exponential rise in cybercrime is attributed to the digital divide, where vulnerable populations are being pulled into the online world without adequate education or protection. “Access to internet has increased, but knowledge and cybersecurity practices have not kept up,” said Professor Snail ka Mtuze.

Interpol’s report draws parallels with the early days of cybercrime in Western regions, noting that Africa is now facing similar patterns of widespread phishing, online scams, and inadequate digital policing. The danger is compounded by the fact that many countries lack formal cybercrime policies, and what is criminal in one jurisdiction may not yet be recognised as such in another.

While South Africa boasts robust legislation,  including the Cybercrimes Act, Harassment Act, and the ECT Act,  the gap lies in enforcement and budget allocation. “The laws are there,” said Snail ka Mtuze. “But making them work requires funding, commitment, and skilled personnel.”

In response to the report, experts are urging businesses, especially small enterprises, to prioritise digital security. “Complying with GDPR and data protection standards isn’t just for big corporations. Everyone who uses data is a stakeholder in cybersecurity,” added Snail ka Mtuze.

As Africa increasingly embraces digital technologies, the call is clear: governments must enforce laws, invest in capacity building, and foster international cooperation to safeguard the digital space. Without urgent and coordinated action, the cost of cybercrime will continue to rise — not just in rands and dollars, but in lost trust, data, and livelihoods.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Professor Sizwe Snail ka Mtuze.