Enablers of transnational organized crime in Africa: A 21st-century perspective

Transnational organized crime (TOC) persists as a significant catalyst for illicit economies and social upheaval in Africa. While comprehensive national estimates quantifying TOC’s impact remain elusive for numerous African nations, recent research underscores its pervasive nature across the continent. Notably, sophisticated cybercrime networks originating in West Africa have extended their reach globally, affecting millions and resulting in substantial financial losses. This study presents a scoping review of the existing literature, pinpointing the primary factors that enable and influence TOC proliferation in Africa. Conducted in June 2024, the review utilized Boolean search strategies to sift through multiple databases, including JSTOR, Springer Nature, and publications from the U.S. Department of Justice and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). From this extensive search, twenty relevant studies were identified. These studies revealed that TOC in Africa is enabled by chronic political instability, systemic corruption, and enduring socioeconomic hardship. The illegal enterprise model is adopted as a theoretical framework to understand the evolution and adaptation of transnational organized crime. The rapid advancement of digital technologies and increasing globalization have further expanded the operational capabilities of these networks, facilitating cross-border crime and undermining state control. Limited institutional capacity, under-resourced law enforcement, and fragmented responses exacerbate the challenge. TOCs continue to undermine governance, economic growth, and social cohesion, and require coordinated and adaptive regional strategies for sustained intervention.