Comprehensive analytical review of cybercrime and cyber policy in West Africa

• Published in: Journal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 20 - 23
• Main Authors: Adewopo, Victor A., Azumah, Sylvia Worlali, Yakubu, Mustapha Awinsongya, Gyamfi, Emmanuel Kojo, Ozer, Murat, Elsayed, Nelly
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.12.2025; Springer Nature B.V; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Artificial Intelligence; Crime; Cyber policy; Cybercrime; Cybersecurity; Electrical Engineering; Electrical Machines and Networks; Engineering; Fraud; Growth rate; Hackers; Information Systems and Communication Service; Internet access; Law enforcement; Legislation; Literature reviews; Mechanical Engineering; Policies; Power Electronics; Ransomware; Research methodology; Review; Threats; West Africa; Cameroon; Cape Verde Islands; Togo; United States > US; West Africa; Africa; South Africa; Ghana; Nigeria; Cybersecurity; Cybercrime; Fraud; West Africa; Cyber policy
• ISSN: 2314-7172; 2314-7172
• DOI: 10.1186/s43067-025-00216-x

Cybercrime is a growing concern in West Africa due to the increasing use of technology and Internet penetration in the region. Legal frameworks are essential for guiding the control of cybercrime. However, the implementation proves challenging for law enforcement agencies due to the absence of a dedicated and effective regional institutional follow-up mechanism. This study conducted a systematic literature review focusing on West Africa’s prevalence of cybercrime, governing policies, regulations, and methodologies for combating cybercrime. West Africa countries face significant cybercrime challenges, exacerbated by inadequate resources and a dearth of security experts. This study pinpoints potential cybercrime prevention strategies, such as leveraging the triage framework and broadening research to cover pivotal areas like cyber aggression and cyberbullying. Our research findings highlight the urgency for policymakers and law enforcement agencies to devise more efficient prevention strategies and policies. Overall, this study provides invaluable insights into the state of cybercrime in West Africa to guide the formulation of potent prevention and intervention strategies.