To bolster global efforts against cybercrime, Kaspersky and AFRIPOL have signed a five-year cooperation agreement to prevent and combat cyber offenses
This partnership formalises collaboration between the company and the law enforcement agency, facilitating the exchange of threat intelligence on emerging cybercriminal activities.
Africa continues to face a rapidly evolving cyberthreat landscape, particularly in industrial sectors. The continent has the highest share of Industrial Control Systems computers targeted by malicious objects, as detected by Kaspersky’s solutions. These escalating risks highlight the need for enhanced cooperation to mitigate potential threats.
The agreement strengthens ties between Kaspersky and AFRIPOL by improving data exchange on cybercrime trends. Kaspersky will provide threat intelligence for AFRIPOL’s criminal intelligence analysis and offer technical assistance through its expert teams.
Kaspersky CEO Eugene Kaspersky emphasised, “An effective fight against cybercrime is inconceivable without cooperation. Our company has always put collaborative effort first – sharing its expertise with the widest range of stakeholders: the security expert community, law enforcement agencies, and also the general public to empower them with knowledge about acute cyberthreats. Hence, by advancing our cooperation with AFRIPOL and by equipping the agency with both the information and technology required for responding to emerging cyberthreats, we hope to enhance our contribution in fostering greater cyber-resilience and a safer cyberspace for all.”
AFRIPOL acting executive director ambassador Jalel Chelba stated, “This agreement with Kaspersky represents a major step forward in strengthening Africa's digital defenses. By leveraging Kaspersky's expertise and resources, we are not only enhancing AFRIPOL's ability to counter cyber threats, but also contributing to the protection of a secure digital space for all African citizens. This collaboration brings substantial added value to both our organisations: it strengthens AFRIPOL's operational framework in combating cybercrime, while allowing Kaspersky to play a key role in the digital security of a strategically important continent in terms of cybersecurity. Together, we are taking a significant step towards resilience and digital trust in Africa, by mobilising the best of both partners.”
Kaspersky and AFRIPOL have a long record of joint cooperation projects. The two organisations have been active contributors to the assessment of the African threat landscape, while also being active participants in INTERPOL-led actions to disrupt cybercrime on the African continent, namely Africa Cyber Surge Operation and Africa Cyber Surge Operation II. The two organisations have also been advocating for greater digital trust, with AFRIPOL having endorsed Kaspersky’s first Transparency Center in the African region in Rwanda.