A Comprehensive Analytical Review on Cybercrime in West Africa
Victor Adewopo, Sylvia Worlali Azumah, Mustapha Awinsongya Yakubu, Emmanuel Kojo Gyamfi, Murat Ozer, Nelly Elsayed
TL;DR
This paper addresses the rising tide of cybercrime in West Africa and the fragmented policy and enforcement landscape that hinders effective response. It conducts a systematic literature review (PRISMA-guided) of peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2023 across IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, and Springer Link, culminating in 32 relevant articles. The authors synthesize prevalent cybercrime forms (e.g., phishing, 419 scams, Sakawa), regional governance challenges (ECOWAS directive, limited regional follow-up), and proposed countermeasures (Triage framework, culture-centered approaches, multi-stakeholder collaborations, awareness and capacity building). The study highlights the need for stronger regional institutions, data protection regulations, and broader research into areas like cyberbullying, to guide prevention and intervention strategies with practical impact.
Abstract
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.