--- International Cooperation Against Cybercrime in Africa: Current Initiatives and Challenges in Cameroon
Author(s): NGWA, Neba Ridley
Author(s) keywords: ANTIC, cyber diplomacy, cybercrime, cybersecurity
Reference keywords: cyber diplomacy, cybercrime, international cooperation
Abstract:
This article explores international cooperation in combating cybercrime in Cameroon, focusing on mechanisms shaping prevention, investigation, and prosecution. Despite the adoption of Law No. 2010/012 on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime and participation in multilateral initiatives, significant gaps remain in coordination and institutional capacity. Using securitization theory, the study shows how cyberspace is framed as an existential security threat, legitimizing domestic reforms and global engagement. A qualitative research design was employed, drawing on primary data from interviews with officials at the Ministry of External Relations and the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ANTIC), complemented by secondary sources including policy documents and international reports. Findings indicate progress in cyber diplomacy, public–private partnerships, and intra-agency collaboration, yet persistent challenges weaken resilience. The study concludes that Cameroon’s approach remains largely reactive, and calls for deeper treaty commitments, and stronger institutional capacity to build a more proactive and sustainable cybersecurity governance model.
References:
[1]. African Union. (2014). African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention).
[2]. African Union. (2014). African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. https://au.int/en/treaties/african-union-convention-cyber-security-and-personal-data-protection.
[3]. ANTIC. (2023). Cybercrime Statistics in Cameroon. National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies.
[4]. ANTIC. (2024). Annual Cybersecurity Report. National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies, Cameroon.
[5]. Boateng, R., Mbarika, V. W. A., & Isabalija, S. R. (2020). Cybercrime and challenges of enforcement in sub-Saharan Africa: A study of Ghana. Journal of Cybersecurity, 6(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1093/cybsec/tyaa001.
[6]. Buzan, B., & Hansen, L. (2009). The evolution of international security studies. Cambridge University Press.
[7]. Cameroon Cybercrime Legislation. (2010). Law No. 2010/012 of 21 December 2010 relating to cybersecurity and cybercriminality in Cameroon. Government of Cameroon.
[8]. Cameroon Intelligence Report. (2025, December 18). Biya regime loses over CFA1 billion to cybercrime in 2025. https://www.cameroonintelligencereport.com/biya-regime-loses-over-cfa1-billion-to-cybercrime-in-2025.
[9]. Clough, J. (2023). International cooperation and cybersecurity: Legal frameworks and emerging challenges. Journal of Cybercrime Policy and Law, 5(2), 45–67.
[10]. Council of Europe. (2023). Budapest Convention on Cybercrime: Country Participation Update.
[11]. DigWatch. (2023). AU Malabo Convention Tracker. Geneva Internet Platform.
[12]. Fonkem, A., & Ebai, J. (2022). Cybersecurity threats and institutional responses in Cameroon: Trends, challenges, and policy gaps. African Journal of Information Systems, 14(2), 55–73.
[13]. Ford, R. (2020). The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Cybersecurity. Journal of Cyber Policy, 5(3), 255–273.
[14]. Government of Cameroon. (2024). Personal Data Protection Law. Yaoundé: Official Gazette.
[15]. Hansen, L., & Nissenbaum, H. (2009). Digital disaster, cyber security, and the Copenhagen School. International studies quarterly, 53(4), 1155-1175.
[16]. Humayun, M., Niazi, M., & Jhanjhi, N. Z. (2020). Cybersecurity Issues and Challenges: A Comprehensive Review. Telecommunication Systems, 73(1), 1–22.
[17]. International Telecommunication Union (ITU). (2019). Global Cybersecurity Index. Geneva: ITU Publications.
[18]. INTERPOL. (2023). Cybercrime Trends in Africa. Lyon: INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation.
[19]. ITU. (2023). Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI): Best Practices in Public-Private Collaboration. Geneva: International Telecommunication Union.
[20]. Kenfack, H. & Njei, E. (2024). Cyber Threats and the Role of National Institutions in Cameroon. Journal of African Cyber Governance, 6(1), 42–61.
[21]. Lacy, M., & Prince, D. (2018). Securitization and the global politics of cybersecurity. Global Discourse, 8(1), 100-115.
[22]. Miller, B. (2014). The concept of security: Should it be Redefined? In Israel's National Security towards the 21st Century (pp. 13-42). Routledge.
[23]. NGWA, N. R. (2022). Drug Abuse and its Implication on Regional Security in West and Central Africa: Cases Studies of Nigeria and Cameroon. International Journal of Politics and Security, 4(1), 86-105.
[24]. Njoya, S. (2025, February 18). Cybersecurity: Cameroon saw 91% rise in cyber exploits in 2024 (Kaspersky). We Are Tech Africa. https://www.wearetech.africa/en/fils-uk/news/tech/cybersecurity-cameroon-saw-91-rise-in-cyber-exploits-in-2024-kapersky.
[25]. Orji, U. J. (2018). Cybersecurity and international cooperation in Africa: The AU Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection in perspective. Computer Law & Security Review, 34(6), 1285–1293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clsr.2018.08.008.
[26]. Republic of Cameroon. (2012). Decree No. 2012/180 of April 10, 2012 on the Organization and Functioning of ANTIC. Official Gazette.
[27]. Republic of Cameroon. (2015). Decree No. 2015/3759 on the Identification of Mobile Subscribers. Official Gazette.
[28]. Spiezia, A. (2022). The Budapest Convention: Harmonization and cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. Council of Europe Publications. https://www.coe.int/en/web/cybercrime.
[29]. Świątkowska, J. (2020). Challenges of Cybersecurity Governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Cyber Policy and Governance, 5(2), 113–128.
[30]. Świątkowska, J. (2020). Cybersecurity and Global Governance: Regional Cooperation and the Role of Legal Instruments. Journal of International Cyber Policy, 5(2), 145–163.
[31]. Świątkowska, J. (2020). Public-Private Partnerships in Cybersecurity: Global Trends and National Approaches. Journal of Cyber Policy and Governance, 5(2), 187–202.
[32]. Tade, O., & Aliyu, A. (2021). Digital insecurity and youth involvement in cybercrime in Nigeria: An empirical study. African Security Review, 30(3), 215–230. https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2021.1889852.
[33]. Thakur, D., Tyagi, R., & Sharma, S. (2015). International Cooperation in Cybersecurity: Legal, Technical, and Institutional Challenges. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 9(1), 44–60.
[34]. Xinbao, Z. (2017). Capacity Building in Cybersecurity: Lessons from International Collaboration. International Journal of Cyber Law, 4(2), 188–202.
Article Title: International Cooperation Against Cybercrime in Africa: Current Initiatives and Challenges in Cameroon
Author(s): NGWA, Neba Ridley
Date of Publication: 2026-06-30
Publication: International Journal of Information Security and Cybercrime
ISSN: 2285-9225 e-ISSN: 2286-0096
Issue: Volume XV, Issue 1, Year 2026
Section: Studies and Analysis of Cybercrime Phenomenon
Page Range: 48-66 (19 pages)
Copyright ©2012-2026
The International Journal of Information Security and Cybercrime (IJISC)
All rights reserved
The International Journal of Information Security and Cybercrime is a trademark of the Romanian Association for Information Security Assurance (RAISA).
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, photocopied, recorded or archived, without the written permission from RAISA. When authors submit their papers for publication, they agree that the copyright for their article be transferred to the Romanian Association for Information Security Assurance, if the articles are accepted for publication. The copyright covers the exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute the article, including reprints and translations.