Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, has called for stronger regional cooperation to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime across Africa.
Speaking at the opening of the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference in Cape Town on Tuesday, Mr. Sellu, who also chairs the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO), urged governments to prioritise collaboration and adopt effective strategies to counter online threats.
He highlighted the ECOWAS Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Strategy, introduced in 2021, as a vital framework for West African states. The plan, he said, provides a roadmap for countries to strengthen national policies, enhance investigative capacity, protect critical infrastructure, and boost cross-border cooperation.
Despite progress, Sellu admitted that many states still face obstacles, including weak enforcement mechanisms, limited infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled professionals.
He also stressed the need for greater public awareness, noting that several countries have yet to implement comprehensive data protection and privacy laws.
“Cyber threats do not recognise borders,” he warned. “Our response must therefore be strategic, inclusive and collaborative. With political will, solidarity, and international support, Africa can secure its digital future.”
Countries such as Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria have already passed cybercrime laws aligned with the ECOWAS framework. However, Sellu said more work is needed in capacity-building, resource-sharing and joint enforcement to keep pace with evolving digital risks.
The three-day conference, running from 27 to 29 August, has drawn police chiefs, security experts and global partners to discuss Africa’s pressing security concerns, with cybercrime high on the agenda.
