Organised crime has steadily gained ground across Africa since 2019, while efforts to combat it have weakened, according to the 2025 Africa Organised Crime Index. The new analysis found that corruption, disregard for law and lack of accountability are helping criminal networks to proliferate in several regions across the continent.
Africa has become deeply embedded in the global criminal economy, serving as a source, transit hub and destination for various illicit markets – often in overlapping roles.
