Cybercrime poses a growing threat to the security and functionality of critical infrastructure in the Horn of Africa, where weak institutional frameworks and limited cybersecurity capacity exacerbate vulnerabilities. This study investigates the scale, nature, and implications of cybercrime on key infrastructure sectors—including energy, finance, telecommunications, and transport—using a qualitative research design supported by secondary data from regional security reports, policy briefs, and international cybersecurity indices. Findings reveal a marked increase in ransomware and phishing attacks targeting financial systems, as well as growing risks to energy grids and port operations due to inadequate digital safeguards. Stakeholder interviews further highlighted that limited cross-border cooperation and underinvestment in cyber-defence strategies weaken the region’s resilience. The study concludes that cybercrime is not only an economic risk but also a strategic security challenge with implications for regional stability. It recommends the establishment of harmonised cybersecurity frameworks under IGAD, greater investment in cyber capacity-building, and the adoption of public–private partnerships to protect critical infrastructure.
Keywords: Cyber security, Critical Infrastructure, Horn of Africa Cyber Threats, Regional Cooperation