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Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to reinforce cybersecurity in Zimbabwe as the nation confronts a rise of digital crime. As internet access expands and digital financial services become more embedded in everyday life, authorities warn that these developments are simultaneously exposing weaknesses in Zimbabwe's cybersecurity systems.  At the Cyber Fraud & AI Conference in Nyanga, Information and Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera highlighted the rise of cyber fraud, noting that cybercriminals are no longer relying on simple tactics. Instead, they are leveraging cutting-edge tools such as deepfake voice cloning, automated phishing platforms, and adaptive malware to exploit individuals, businesses, and public systems.  “The enemy now has artificial intelligence. You cannot fight an intelligent machine with a manual rulebook — you must fight AI with AI,” Mavetera said. 

Rising Cyber Fraud Threats Challenge Zimbabwe's Cybersecurity Systems 

The scale of the problem is further highlighted by recent data. Authorities estimate that mobile money-related cyber fraud costs Zimbabwe more than US$30 million annually. Meanwhile, phishing and social engineering attacks have surged by over 40% in recent years. Across Africa, cybercrime is estimated to cost more than US$4 billion each year, while global losses are projected to exceed US$10 trillion annually.  Mavetera denoted that the impact of cyber fraud extends beyond financial losses. “Cyber fraud erodes trust in digital systems, and without trust, there is no digital transformation,” she said. This erosion of trust threatens not only individuals and businesses but also the broader stability of the digital economy. 

Government Expands Cybersecurity in Zimbabwe with AI-Driven Solutions 

In response to these challenges, the government is implementing a range of measures aimed at strengthening cybersecurity in Zimbabwe. A National Security Operations Centre is nearing completion, with progress estimated at 85%, and is expected to centralize threat monitoring and response.  Additionally, a Computer Incident Response Team is being established to coordinate national responses to cyberattacks. These institutional developments are intended to improve the country’s ability to detect, manage, and mitigate cyber fraud and other digital threats.  A key initiative is the planned launch of the “Zimbabwe AI Cyber Shield” within the next 12 months. This AI-powered platform will focus on real-time fraud detection, representing a major step forward in modernizing Zimbabwe's cybersecurity capabilities.  Alongside technological investments, the government is prioritizing skills development. Training programs are underway to prepare 10,000 cybersecurity professionals, supported by broader digital literacy initiatives aimed at strengthening public awareness and resilience against cyber fraud. 

Policy and Collaboration Key to Strengthening Zimbabwe Cybersecurity 

Zimbabwe is also working to enhance its legal and policy frameworks. Authorities are introducing legislation to criminalize the misuse of artificial intelligence, particularly in cases involving deepfakes and identity-related cyber fraud. A National Cybersecurity Strategy has been finalized and is awaiting cabinet approval, while the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030), introduced in March, seeks to balance innovation with security.  Despite these efforts, Zimbabwe continues to face structural challenges. The country is currently ranked in the fourth tier of the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index, with a score of 39.85 out of 100. While legal measures are relatively strong, gaps remain in technical capacity, organizational readiness, international cooperation, and skills development.  Mavetera stressed that addressing these gaps will require coordinated action from multiple stakeholders. She called for stronger collaboration between the government, the private sector, academia, and citizens to build a resilient digital ecosystem.  She reiterated that cyber fraud is not just a financial issue but a threat to national progress. Without trust in digital systems, the country’s broader digital transformation goals could be undermined. 

A Ghanaian national has pleaded guilty to his role in a large-scale cyber fraud scheme that used romance scams and business email compromise tactics to steal more than $100 million from victims across the United States. Derrick Van Yeboah, also known as “Van,” admitted to participating in a wire fraud conspiracy linked to an international criminal organization. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton. “Derrick Van Yeboah pled guilty today to a massive criminal scheme targeting elderly men and women in online romance scams,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Many New Yorkers search for companionship online, and no one deserves to have their vulnerability met with fraud and theft. Van Yeboah cruelly exploited those vulnerabilities for over $10 million in illicit profit. Today’s plea is a reminder to be vigilant online—especially on dating websites, never give money to someone you just met—and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

International Network Behind Online Romance Scams

According to court filings, Van Yeboah was part of a criminal group primarily based in Ghana that ran romance scams and business email compromise attacks against individuals and businesses in the United States. The group targeted victims through fake online identities, often pretending to be romantic partners on dating platforms or social media. Once a relationship was established, victims were persuaded to send money to help with fabricated emergencies or personal crises. These online romance scams relied on emotional manipulation rather than technical hacking. Investigators say many of the victims were older men and women who believed they were in genuine relationships with people they had met online. In several cases, victims were also manipulated into helping move money received from other victims. This allowed the criminal network to expand its fraud operations and move stolen funds through multiple channels.

Romance Scams and Business Email Compromise Combined

Authorities say the group did not rely only on romance scams. Members of the conspiracy also carried out business email compromise (BEC) attacks. In these incidents, businesses were deceived into transferring money after receiving fraudulent emails that appeared to come from trusted contacts or partners. The funds were then routed through accounts linked to the criminal enterprise. By combining online romance scams with BEC fraud, the group was able to steal and launder more than $100 million from victims. Once the money was collected, investigators say the proceeds were transferred and laundered through various channels before being moved to West Africa.

Van Yeboah Directly Ran Several Romance Scams

Prosecutors say Van Yeboah personally carried out several romance scams, communicating directly with victims while pretending to be a romantic partner. Through these conversations, he convinced victims to transfer large sums of money. Authorities say he is responsible for stealing more than $10 million through these schemes alone. The case demonstrates how romance scam operators often build long-term relationships with victims to maintain trust and continue extracting money over time. Van Yeboah, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He has also agreed to pay restitution and forfeiture totaling $10,149,429.17. The final sentence will be decided by the court. Van Yeboah is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3, 2026.

Growing Threat of Romance Scams

Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that romance scams remain one of the fastest-growing forms of cyber fraud. Unlike many cybercrimes that rely on technical vulnerabilities, these scams depend on social engineering and emotional manipulation. The case also shows how online romance scams can evolve into complex international fraud networks involving money laundering and business email compromise. For investigators, dismantling these operations often requires cooperation between multiple countries and law enforcement agencies. The FBI led the investigation in this case, with assistance from Ghanaian authorities and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs. The prosecution is being handled by the Southern District of New York’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.