Cybercrime among Africans: A historical overview

Abstract

Cybercrime is a major criminal activity in contemporary Africa that has generated much concern and extensive debate. Many Africans fall victim to cybercrimes on regular basis. More so, foreigners (especially Westerners) constitute the major target of some African cybercriminals. Among the factors that promote cyber-criminal activities in Africa is the issue of underdevelopment, which has its roots in the slave trade and colonialism. Another seemingly overlooked excuse for cybercrime is the fact that some of the cybercriminals see internet fraud as vengeance on the West for the prolonged history of injustices on Africa and people of African origins.There is also the factor of greed and the desire for quick wealth. The article examines the interconnections between the rampaging rate of cybercrimes and the issue of underdevelopment. It maintains that vengeance-seeking on the West based on the history of subjugation is one of the excuses held by some African internet fraudsters, although greed is arguably the most important factor. The study adopts the historical analytical approach to data interpretations.