OVERVIEW Africa’s digital transformation has unlocked immense opportunities but also a growing wave of cybercrime, particularly internet fraud. While governments and financial institutions implement anti-fraud measures within their jurisdictions, cybercriminals exploit weak cross-border cooperation to evade prosecution. Jurisdictional loopholes, fragmented cybersecurity laws, and limited intelligence-sharing create a safe haven for fraud syndicates operating across multiple countries. This talk will highlight: 1. How cybercriminals exploit regulatory gaps to target individuals and businesses outside and across Africa. 2. Why prosecution rates remain low, despite the existence of anti-cybercrime frameworks. 3. The urgent need for real-time intelligence sharing and legal harmonization among African nations. 4. Practical solutions to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen Africa’s digital security.
Why This Talk Matters Relevance: Cybercrime is a major barrier to trust in Africa’s digital economy. Without cross-border collaboration, even the most advanced fraud detection tools will be ineffective. Expertise: As a financial crime prosecutor, I have worked on cases where criminals exploit jurisdictional gaps to escape accountability. This talk will provide insights into what works and what does not. Action-Oriented: This is not just about the problem, it is about solutions. The talk will offer three concrete actions that policymakers, financial institutions, and enforcement agencies must take to tackle cyber fraud collectively. Major Takeaways: 1. African nations must stop fighting cybercrime in isolation 2. Regional cybersecurity agreements must be enforced, not just signed. 3. Public-private partnerships between law enforcement, banks, and tech firms are essential to disrupt online fraud networks. CTA (Call-to-Action) To truly empower Africa’s digital future, we need a unified cybersecurity front. It is high time we broke jurisdictional silos, closed legal loopholes, and strengthened digital trust across borders.
