DPP Ingonga urges African prosecutors to rethink traditional approaches due to digital threats

Speaking during the inauguration of the Association's first permanent headquarters, APA President and Kenya's Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, warned that prosecutors across the continent are increasingly facing sophisticated criminal networks that exploit technology and jurisdictional boundaries to evade justice.

Ingonga said cybercrime, digital fraud, online exploitation, virtual asset-related offences and other emerging crimes are rapidly changing the criminal justice landscape, requiring prosecutors to rethink traditional approaches to investigations and prosecutions.

"The modern prosecutor must be legally sound, technologically aware, internationally connected and institutionally courageous," he said.

He noted that while African countries have made significant progress in strengthening their justice systems, criminals continue to take advantage of globalization and technological advancements to conduct illicit activities across borders.

The opening of the Secretariat, he said, represents more than the establishment of a physical office, describing it as a strategic centre that will enable prosecutors from across Africa to share expertise, coordinate investigations and develop unified responses to transnational crime.

The ceremony attracted Prosecutors General, Directors of Public Prosecutions and senior justice officials from across the continent, highlighting the growing importance of regional collaboration in addressing crimes that no longer respect national boundaries.

Ingonga challenged member states to deepen cooperation in areas such as extradition, mutual legal assistance, asset recovery and digital evidence management, arguing that stronger partnerships will be essential in dismantling criminal networks operating across jurisdictions.

He further commended Morocco for hosting the continental headquarters, saying the move demonstrates the country's commitment to strengthening Africa's justice institutions.

The launch of the headquarters comes amid increasing concern over the growth of cyber-enabled crime, illicit financial flows, terrorism and organized criminal syndicates, challenges that continue to pose significant threats to economic development, security and governance across the continent.

With the establishment of a permanent Secretariat, the Africa Prosecutors Association is expected to play a more prominent role in shaping continental strategies aimed at enhancing prosecutorial effectiveness and safeguarding the rule of law.