Cyber-Crime

The Challenge

It is estimated that, in 2021, 33% of the population in Africa was connected to the internet, a jump of about 23% from 2018[1]. Though digital development has seen a boost in recent years in Africa, so too has the threat of “cybercrime” and “cyber-enabled crime”. From online child exploitation and abuse, to infrastructure sabotage, to organized crime, including narcotics and human trafficking, African governments are facing rapid-evolving digital threats that, if not handled appropriately, can negatively impact nations’ security and economy. Knowledge of how cybercriminals operate and tools to curb cyber-enabled crimes from the root, from technical investigations to judiciary, will enable African member state governments to respond rapidly, punish such crimes effectively, and deter future crimes.

The UNODC Global Programme on Cybercrime ,according to General Assembly resolution 65/230, provides technical assistance and training to Member States to prevent and respond to cybercrime and technology-enabled crimes, including combating online sexual exploitation of children, responding to ransomware attacks and other cybercrimes, and collecting and preserving digital evidence. The Global Programme on Cybercrime is designed to respond flexibly to the needs identified in Member States to prevent and combat cybercrime in a holistic manner. It does so by providing technical support in crime prevention and criminal justice, based on UNODC's assessment protocols and technical assistance tools. The programme utilizes an integrated approach to assist member states. It focuses on policy development and technical assistance, including capacity building activities, normative assistance, strengthening international and national cooperation within countries and with the private sector, and prevention and sensitization on the threats of cybercrime.

United Nations

UNODC West and Central Africa

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WHAT WE DO

RESOURCES

Goals we are supporting through this initiative

INVESTMENT AREAS