Mastercard report finds African cyber attacks increased by 421.4%

A new report by Mastercard has revealed a sharp escalation in cyber threats across Africa, with nearly 70,000 cyber events recorded on the continent in 2025 alone. This surge represents a 421.4% increase in attacks since 2016, a growth rate that significantly outpaces the global average increase of 307.3% over the same period. The findings underscore the vulnerability of Africa’s rapidly expanding digital landscape as it becomes a primary focus for international cybercriminal networks.

According to the research, the financial services and public sectors are the most frequent targets, accounting for 44% of all recorded incidents. The report suggests that these sectors are prioritized by attackers due to the high value of data and financial assets they manage. The situation is further complicated by a critical talent shortage across the continent, with approximately 200,000 cybersecurity positions remaining unfilled. This lack of skilled professionals leaves many organizations unable to deploy or maintain the robust defense mechanisms required to counter increasingly sophisticated threats.

The rise in cybercrime occurs against the backdrop of a booming digital economy in Africa, which is projected to reach $1.5 trillion in digital payments by 2030. Mastercard emphasizes that as the continent transitions more of its commerce and governance online, the necessity for comprehensive cybersecurity infrastructure becomes more urgent. Strengthening digital defenses and closing the professional skills gap are seen as essential prerequisites for maintaining public trust in digital services and protecting critical national infrastructure.