On September 2, 2024, AFRIPOL and INTERPOL jointly launched the third edition of Operation AFRICA Cyber Surge (ACS 3.0) in Accra, Ghana. This significant initiative has brought together 19 member countries, represented by 40 cybercrime officers and experts. These efforts are being supervised by senior experts from AFRIPOL and INTERPOL and supported by international experts from private entities such as GROUP-IB and UPPSALA Security.
Operation ACS 3.0 marks a critical milestone in the ongoing fight against cybercrime across Africa, underscoring the continent’s growing commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure and ensuring the online safety of its citizens. This initiative not only unites numerous African countries in a coordinated effort against cyber threats but also fosters trust and strengthens ties between these nations and their international partners.
The operation, first launched in July 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda, has already achieved significant milestones in its first two editions. These accomplishments include enhancing capacity building, fostering international cooperation, and protecting critical infrastructure. More importantly, the operation has delivered tangible operational outcomes, leading to the arrest and prosecution of several high-profile cybercriminals and the dismantling of numerous criminal networks operating across different African countries. In addition, it has conducted multiple awareness-raising campaigns targeting African citizens, educating them about cyber threats and safe online practices.
As the African Union mechanism for police cooperation, AFRIPOL aims to establish a unified approach in the fight against cybercrime through its activities and strategic initiatives, it is dedicated to aligning efforts to ensure coherence in operational actions and to enhancing law enforcement capabilities across the continent. By doing so, AFRIPOL strives to achieve a balanced level of expertise and proficiency within the police services of African nations, ensuring a robust and collective response to cybercrime.
Through ACS 3.0, AFRIPOL and INTERPOL continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to combating cybercrime and securing the digital landscape for the future of Africa.
