The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has reported a significant decline in cyber fraud cases involving mobile financial services in the second quarter of 2026. According to the BNR, the number of reported cases decreased by 30.3% to 2,879, down from 4,128 in the same period of 2025. The decline in cyber fraud cases is a positive trend, but the BNR warns that the risks associated with mobile financial services remain a major concern.
The financial losses due to cyber fraud also decreased by 26% to Frw 471 million in the second quarter of 2026, down from Frw 637 million in the same period of 2025. Despite the decline in cyber fraud cases, the BNR notes that the use of mobile financial services continues to grow. In the first six months of 2026, the value of transactions made through mobile financial services reached Frw 27.8 trillion, up from Frw 20.4 trillion in the same period of 2025.
The BNR attributes the decline in cyber fraud cases to the efforts of various stakeholders, including the central bank, security agencies, and financial service providers. In February 2026, the BNR reported that the number of cybercrime cases had decreased significantly, from around 5,000 in December 2024 to around 3,000 in 2025. Mobile money transactions were identified as a major area of concern, accounting for a significant proportion of reported cases.
Despite the decline in cyber fraud cases, the BNR is urging financial service providers and users to remain vigilant. The central bank notes that the growth of mobile financial services has created new risks, and that users must be aware of the potential dangers. The BNR is also working to develop strategies to help victims of cyber fraud recover their losses and to track down those responsible for the crimes.
A survey of mobile financial service users in Rwanda conducted in 2025 found that 84% of respondents had received suspicious messages or phone calls in the previous year, and 18% had lost money as a result of cyber fraud. The BNR is working to educate users about the risks associated with mobile financial services and to promote safe usage practices.
The BNR is also exploring ways to improve the security of mobile financial services, including the development of new technologies and the implementation of more effective risk management systems. The central bank is working closely with financial service providers and security agencies to identify and address vulnerabilities in the system.
The decline in cyber fraud cases is a positive trend, but the BNR's warnings highlight the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between stakeholders to prevent and combat cybercrime. The BNR will continue to monitor the situation and take steps to mitigate the risks associated with mobile financial services.
Key points
- The number of cyber fraud cases in Rwanda decreased by 30.3% in the second quarter of 2026.
- The financial losses due to cyber fraud decreased by 26% to Frw 471 million in the second quarter of 2026.
- The BNR is urging financial service providers and users to remain vigilant despite the decline in cyber fraud cases.
