This study seeks to critically examine the scope, causes, and consequences of transnational crime in the African context, and to assess the adequacy of regional and continental policy responses. It aims to provide actionable, evidence-based strategies that can enhance cooperation, law enforcement capacity, and community resilience across African states. Transnational organised crime presents a rising threat to Africa’s development, peace, and governance. It is fueled by weak border control, political instability, institutional fragility, corruption, and socio-economic exclusion. Despite the existence of frameworks such as the AU Continental Strategy for Combating Transnational Organised Crime (2023) and SADC’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, implementation remains fragmented and under-resourced. Criminal networks exploit legal and institutional loopholes across regions, undermining state authority, rule of law, and citizen safety (UNODC, 2023; Global Initiative, 2024). Criminal syndicates have diversified across Africa, with drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, arms smuggling, and environmental crimes rising sharply in the last decade. Institutional corruption and poor coordination between states are major enablers. Youth unemployment and poverty are primary recruitment drivers into criminal economies. Cybercrime is an emerging frontier, with most African states ill-equipped to respond. Regional strategies exist, but face gaps in harmonisation, funding, and data sharing. This research contributes to transnational crime scholarship by offering a context-specific, African-led perspective, integrating criminological, political, and developmental insights. It identifies actionable policy reforms and proposes a collaborative regional security model grounded in legal harmonisation, intelligence coordination, and community resilience. It supports Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 16). The study will adopt a qualitative research design, combining desktop policy analysis, regional case studies, and thematic content analysis of secondary data. Key sources include AU, UNODC, Interpol, and civil society reports from 2021–2024. Expert interviews may be used to validate findings from regional security practitioners. Systematic Approach using a multi-level analytical framework, the study will: Map key types and routes of transnational crime in Africa, examine political-economic drivers and governance failures, Analyse the effectiveness of continental and regional institutional responses, and propose practical, implementable policy solutions for AU member states. Transnational crime is no longer a peripheral issue in Africa it is central to the continent’s governance, peace, and development trajectory. This study demonstrates that combating it requires a whole-of-continent approach, integrating law enforcement, legal reform, economic inclusion, and regional solidarity. Without decisive and coordinated action, Africa risks deeper criminal infiltration, weakened governance, and stunted social progress. This research equips stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to disrupt criminal networks and build a safer, more resilient continent.