How ACN is Shaping Career Pathways for Young Africans: The Story of Mbafor Joshua Foghang’s Journey into Tech and Creativity

For Mbafor Joshua Foghang, technology has always been more than lines of code; he sees it as a way to express creativity, solve problems, and connect people.  Mbafor is a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering. Driven by a passion to use technology to make life simpler and more meaningful for others, his dream began to take shape when he secured an internship at Oddys, a digital platform that makes streetwear discovery effortless by bringing the best price, size, and style into one seamless search.

Joshua’s breakthrough came through the Africa Careers Network (ACN), after applying to more than twenty internships through ACN, facing rejections along the way, his persistence paid off. “Each rejection taught me something about resilience and preparation, and at the end ACN gave me more than a role  it gave me the chance to grow,” he shared.

At Oddys, Joshua found a space where innovation meets creativity. The company’s mission to blend fashion and technology instantly drew him in. “I’ve always wanted to understand how real-world software teams build and maintain products that reach users at scale,” he said. “Oddys stood out because it brings together two worlds I deeply care about, fashion and technology.”

Since joining the team, Joshua has worked on improving internal web applications and optimizing search and filtering features to help users navigate the platform with ease. His work has been about more than functionality; it’s about creating an experience that feels intuitive and inclusive. Collaborating closely with engineers and designers has helped him appreciate the power of teamwork, code reviews, and user-centered design.

Looking back, he describes the experience as “incredibly rewarding.” Beyond the technical lessons, the internship helped him develop patience, discipline, and confidence. “I’ve learned to write cleaner code, communicate effectively, and manage time better,” he said. “But more importantly, I’ve learned that growth comes from discomfort. The moments that scared me the most ended up teaching me the most.”

Joshua’s story shows perseverance and hope. Through ACN, he did not only found a professional opportunity but also discovered a community that believes in his potential. 

His advice to other young Africans is simple: “Be persistent and stay open-minded. Apply widely, learn from every step, and make use of ACN’s resources. The right opportunity will come when you stay committed to growth.”

Today, Joshua continues to build, learn, and dream, and through platforms like ACN, young Africans like him are proving that with the right support, passion can truly become purpose.