Mastercard Reports 421% Surge in Cyberattacks in Africa

Cyberattacks on African organizations increased by over 421% from 2016 to 2025, surpassing the global increase of 307%, according to a white paper by Mastercard. In 2025, Mastercard Cyber Insights recorded 69,236 cyber events targeting African organizations, averaging one event every eight minutes.

The technology, public sector, and financial services were the most targeted sectors, accounting for 44% of cyber activity. Personal and financial information, along with customer-facing services, made up 27% of targeted assets.

The report warned that Africa's growing digital economy exposes businesses and consumers to rising cybersecurity threats, exacerbated by gaps in digital infrastructure, skilled personnel, and regulatory coordination. It emphasized the vulnerability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent over 90% of private businesses in Africa.

The report also noted that Africa's cyber insurance market remains underdeveloped, limiting financial protection against cyber losses. Stronger cybersecurity is deemed essential for fostering digital adoption and protecting the economy.