# Cybercrime trends in Southern Africa

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cybercrime-trends-in-southern-africa
> Updated: 2026-10-19T06:10:05.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Cybercrime and digital fraud activities have been reported across Southern Africa, with significant financial impacts noted in Eswatini and South Africa.

In Eswatini, the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) reported annual cyber-related losses exceeding E15.9 million. These losses are attributed to mobile money fraud, phishing, identity theft, and fraudulent banking transactions. Authorities highlighted the increasing sophistication of scammers using fake social media accounts and noted social risks such as cyberbullying and online child exploitation.

In South Africa, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) reported that digital banking crime losses rose to approximately R2.41 billion in 2025, a 29.2% increase from the previous year. Banking applications were the primary target, accounting for roughly 89% of reported incidents. Experts noted that these crimes often rely on social engineering and manipulation, sometimes aided by artificial intelligence, rather than direct system hacks.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: South Africa digital banking crime losses rise to R2.41 billion

Digital banking crime in South Africa rose to R2.41 billion in 2025, a 29.2% increase from the previous year, with banking apps accounting for the majority of incidents and losses.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-africa-digital-banking-crime-losses-rise-to-r241-billion

### 2026-09-30: Eswatini cybercrime losses exceed E15.9 million annually

Eswatini authorities report cybercrime losses exceeding E15.9 million annually, driven by mobile money fraud, phishing, and identity theft, prompting urgent calls for public vigilance.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eswatini-cybercrime-losses-exceed-e159-million-annually

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Cite as: Cybercrime trends in Southern Africa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cybercrime-trends-in-southern-africa