AI-Driven Cyber Threats in Africa: A Critical Assessment

Introduction

As of March 2026, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal component in the cybersecurity landscape of Africa. While African nations are leveraging AI to bolster their defense capabilities, adversaries are also exploiting AI to enhance cyberattacks, posing critical threats to the continent's digital infrastructure.

National AI Cyber Programs in Africa

Several African countries have initiated national AI strategies to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks:

• Kenya: In March 2025, Kenya launched its National AI Strategy 2025-2030, focusing on AI digital infrastructure, data governance, and AI research and innovation. The strategy aims to position Kenya as Africa's premier AI research and innovation hub, with applications in agriculture, healthcare, education, and public administration. (thebftonline.com)

• Côte d'Ivoire: In March 2025, Côte d'Ivoire unveiled its National AI and Data Governance Strategy, emphasizing investment in infrastructure and skills, inclusive digital transformation, and governance/legal frameworks, including a "Safe AI" certification label. The initial rollout includes the formation of a national AI and data governance committee and ethical standards frameworks for AI deployment in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education. (thebftonline.com)

Military AI Offensive Tools

African defense forces are increasingly integrating AI into their military operations:

• AI for Africa's Defense Forces Toolkit: The Africa Center for Strategic Studies developed a toolkit offering advice and recommendations for African policymakers and defense sector practitioners seeking to use AI to enhance national security. The toolkit provides a framework for AI adoption tailored to Africa's security landscape, informed by an understanding of AI's risks and benefits. (africacenter.org)

AI-Integrated APT Operations

Adversaries are leveraging AI to enhance cyberattacks targeting African nations:

• State-Sponsored Actors: Reports indicate that over 57 state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups from countries like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia are utilizing AI technologies to enhance their cyber operations. These groups employ AI for tasks such as researching vulnerabilities, writing malicious code, and creating targeted phishing campaigns. (dig.watch)

• APT42: An Iranian state-sponsored actor, APT42 has been identified as a frequent user of AI tools, employing them for reconnaissance on cybersecurity experts and organizations, and phishing operations. (dig.watch)

Autonomous Cyber Weapons Doctrine

The integration of AI into cyber weapons raises ethical and strategic considerations:

• AI for Peace Africa: This organization focuses on advancing the responsible use of AI for peacebuilding, governance, and human security across Africa. It works at the nexus of technology, policy, and community resilience to empower African institutions, emphasizing the need for ethical AI frameworks to anticipate conflict, manage risks, and build durable peace. (aiforpeaceafrica.com)

Conclusion

The dual-use nature of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for African nations. While AI offers significant potential to enhance cybersecurity and defense capabilities, it also exposes vulnerabilities that adversaries can exploit. A balanced approach, integrating technological advancement with ethical considerations and international collaboration, is essential to navigate the complexities of AI in cybersecurity.

Highlights:

• Microsoft: Russia, China increasingly using AI to escalate cyberattacks on the US, Published on Thursday, October 16