International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organised Crime
The hidden costs of organised crime to development
Transnational organised crime is one of the most persistent and complex threats to Africa’s stability and sustainable development. Defined as criminal activities that cross borders and are carried out by structured groups for profit or power, it encompasses the illicit trafficking of firearms, drugs, wildlife, cultural property, and falsified medical products. It also includes human trafficking, migrant smuggling, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. With the growing digitisation of crime and the use of virtual assets, these networks are expanding their reach and their capacity to cause harm.
Across Africa, organised crime thrives on weak border controls, governance challenges, and economic vulnerabilities. Currently, illicit trafficking remains a major concern, firearms smuggling continues to fuel conflict and violent crime and wildlife and timber trafficking not only threaten biodiversity but also undermine legitimate livelihoods and conservation efforts.
The illegal trade in cultural artefacts, often driven by international demand, continues to strip communities of their heritage. At the same time, human trafficking and migrant smuggling represent some of the most severe forms of organised crime. Thousands of Africans are trafficked across borders each year for forced labour, sexual exploitation, or irregular migration. These crimes carry immense social costs and weaken trust in institutions meant to protect citizens.
The financial side of organised crime is equally damaging. Criminal networks rely on money laundering to conceal and move illicit profits through both formal and informal financial systems. Weak regulatory frameworks and uneven enforcement create opportunities for illicit financial flows that deprive African economies of much-needed revenue. Efforts to strengthen anti–money laundering mechanisms are growing but remain inconsistent across countries and regions.
A significant shift has also occurred with the digitalisation of organised crime. As internet access and mobile money services expand, criminal groups are using digital tools to coordinate operations, recruit members, and transfer funds. Cyber-enabled crimes such as online fraud, identity theft, and ransomware are growing, often crossing multiple jurisdictions. The use of cryptocurrencies and virtual assets complicates investigations, making it harder for law enforcement to trace and recover stolen or laundered assets.
It is important to note that transnational organised crime undermines governance, peace, and development. It diverts public resources, fuels corruption, and enables armed groups to sustain themselves financially. The environmental and public health consequences, whether from poached wildlife, counterfeit medicines, or polluted ecosystems, are also far-reaching.
Addressing this challenge requires a coordinated regional and global response. This would include measures as strengthening border management, enhancing data sharing, and promoting judicial cooperation. Law enforcement alone is not enough. Sustainable progress depends on tackling the structural conditions that allow organised crime to flourish, such as poverty, inequality, and weak governance. In addition, investing in strong institutions, augmenting digital literacy, and inclusive development can help close the gaps that criminal networks exploit.
As Africa’s economies and technologies continue to evolve, the fight against transnational organised crime must adapt accordingly. Ensuring that science, technology, and governance systems work together will be key to safeguarding Africa’s security and shaping a more resilient future.
