Law enforcement representatives including more than 40 African nations met on December 10 and address the complexities of cross-border digital crime. The discussions focused on standardizing essential security infrastructure, establishing interoperable equipment protocols, and advancing training for officers tasked with investigating and prosecuting digital offenses.
During the Sixth Meeting of the Heads of National Liaison Offices (NLOs) in Algiers, delegates prioritized improving digital connectivity and expanding access to specialized training. According to a statement released following the meeting, participants also emphasized the role of data-driven insights in shaping policing strategies. This gathering represents a step forward for the African Union’s collaborative organizations, which are moving including isolated national efforts toward a unified response and transnational threat groups.
"The progress we have achieved in digital platforms, training delivery, and national coordination reflects the collective determination of our Member States to enhance their policing capabilities," said Benaired Mohamed, head of Afripol's Training and Capacity Building Division.
The Regional Threat Situation
Africa has seen accelerated digital adoption, yet the development of resilient security infrastructure has not always kept pace. As more citizens access online services, predominantly through mobile devices—organizations face challenges in establishing solid defense mechanisms. While the integration of AI technologies supports economic development, it also provides threat actors with sophisticated tools to automate and scale their operations.
Data from Check Point Software indicates that while the volume of security incidents affecting African organizations has decreased over the year, it remains significantly above the global baseline. In 2025, African organizations faced an average of 3,153 intrusion attempts per week, 61% higher than the global average.
Ian Van Rensburg, head of security engineering for Africa at Check Point Software, notes that this elevated risk environment necessitates rapid improvement in law enforcement capabilities.
"Cross-border cooperation is now essential, as threat actors exploit legal and technical gaps between nations," Van Rensburg explains. "But challenges remain: varying laws and concerns over data sensitivity still slow evidence sharing, even as digital threats move in real time."
Enhancing Collaboration and Capacity
While African nations are advancing their legal frameworks and technical skills, gaps in judicial processes and investigative capacity persist. Neal Jetton, director of Interpol's cybercrime unit, highlights the need for continuous adaptation.
"The primary change for law enforcement is that we are always playing catch-up to the threat actors due to the evolving nature of the situation," Jetton says. "The need for specialized cybercrime units is recognized by law enforcement and being implemented."
Over the past five years, regional agencies have refined their collaborative capabilities. Coordinated operations across multiple borders are becoming standard practice, enabling the investigation of complex criminal networks. In recent years, Afripol and national agencies have worked with Interpol and private sector partners to disrupt threat groups, seize assets, and dismantle malicious infrastructure.
"It's not perfect, but it's progress," says Van Rensburg. "Five years ago, if a threat actor in Lagos targeted someone in Nairobi, both countries would open separate investigations that often stalled. Now, they are communicating."
Standardizing Defense Mechanisms
Afripol’s strategic priorities include adopting investigative tools capable of analyzing modern threat tactics and instituting regular, specialized training for investigators. Beyond training, national police agencies are establishing encrypted communication channels and harmonizing legal frameworks. These measures ensure that digital evidence collected in one jurisdiction remains admissible in another.
"They have made progress by standardizing digital evidence procedures, so a laptop seized in Kenya can support a prosecution in Nigeria," Van Rensburg notes. "Before this, cases often collapsed due to incompatible standards."
Jetton agrees that building capacity through cooperation is critical. To effectively prosecute transnational syndicates—including those expanding operations from Southeast Asia, regional and international alignment is required. Initiatives such as Interpol's African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC) leverage global intelligence-sharing mechanisms alongside Afripol's regional focus to plan and execute operations.
"It is important for Interpol and Afripol to work together to build a unified and effective response targeting transnational cyber threats," Jetton states. "For both organizations, cross-border collaboration is a strategic priority, and both are working to strengthen institutional ties between national offices, with the goal to overcome procedural and jurisdictional barriers."