In the bustling streets of Accra, as the first rays of sunlight pierce through the morning clouds, Florence Toffa is already on her feet.
The day begins not with boardroom meetings but with a heartwarming scene: her two young children tugging at her sleeves, bargaining for a few more moments of play before school.
The Director of Mobile Web Ghana juggles the roles of mother, mentor, and innovator seamlessly—a true embodiment of resilience and determination in a fast-evolving tech landscape.
Florence’s mornings often include a team briefing that sets the tone for the day.
Between managing projects like Ghana Digitour, training sessions under the American Spaces and Support Program, and overseeing virtual initiatives like African Digital Skills, her calendar is a labyrinth of activities.
“I am responsible for securing additional funding to ensure the sustainability of the business. In addition, I oversee the planning and execution of numerous programs. On average, we organise three to four programmes each month, and I work diligently with my team to ensure they are thoughtfully designed and successfully implemented,” she says with a calm yet authoritative demeanor.
Her plate is full, but Florence thrives on the chaos, seeing it as a challenge to innovate and inspire.
The roots of resilience
Florence’s journey to the helm of Mobile Web Ghana is a story of grit and grace. Born in Torve-Akatie, a small village in the Volta Region, her childhood was marked by transitions.
She moved to Accra to live with her aunt and attended Ascension Academy Primary School before advancing to Kaneshie Junior High.
A bright student, she excelled in her studies and went on to Sogakope Senior High School to pursue a Business Course.
However, the road to higher education was anything but smooth. Despite stellar grades, her father’s inability to afford university forms delayed her dreams by a year.
“When I completed Senior Secondary School, the government was transitioning from the system where students waited a year at home before starting university to one where they could enroll immediately after graduation. Unfortunately for me, despite being one of the top students in my school, I couldn’t take advantage of this change.
“My father couldn’t afford the cost of the awaiting forms, so I had to wait an entire year before applying. Watching my peers move on to university while I was left behind was heartbreaking. I was overwhelmed with feelings of despair and inadequacy, even though my grades were excellent. It wasn’t my performance holding me back; it was simply financial constraints. That year was one of the most challenging periods of my life—I often locked myself in my room and cried, grappling with the frustration of being unable to move forward,” she recounts fondly.
For Florence, this one-year gap made her feel left behind, but when her father suggested that she enroll in computer studies, it changed everything.
“That was my first real introduction to computers—a time when Yahoo was booming, and internet cafés were thriving hubs of activity. While waiting to begin university, I started working at a communication center during the day and attended computer studies classes in the evenings. I learned typing, Excel, and document processing, and it was during this period that I discovered my fascination with computers. This newfound passion sparked a deep interest in computer science, and I realised I wanted to pursue a future in the field,” she remembers.
Her passion grew during a year spent mastering typing, Excel, and other computer skills. When she eventually gained admission to the University of Ghana to study Psychology and Sociology, she envisioned a career in clinical or industrial psychology.
But fate had other plans, steering her back to technology through opportunities that would later define her career.
Breaking barriers in a male-dominated field
Florence’s transition into tech was solidified during her time at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST). The two-year intensive program trained her in programming and business management, equipping her to become a software entrepreneur. It was here that she realised her potential to create solutions tailored to African needs.
Her journey reflects broader trends in Ghana’s tech space. Women remain underrepresented in the industry, yet initiatives like Girls in ICT and government-backed policies are slowly shifting the tide.
According to a 2023 report by the International Telecommunications Union, Ghana has seen a 15% increase in women pursuing tech careers over the past five years.
However, the challenges remain significant—cultural barriers, limited mentorship opportunities, and the digital divide still hinder progress.
Florence is a vocal advocate for more inclusivity.
Navigating Ghana’s technological evolution
Reflecting on the evolution of technology in Ghana, Florence marvels at the strides made.
“Back in my university days, we queued for hours at the bank just to check our account balance. Today, I can access mine with a few taps on my phone,” she notes.
The rise of tech hubs and access to digital tools has democratised learning and innovation. Programs like Mobile Web Ghana have played a pivotal role in empowering individuals to acquire digital skills and build sustainable careers.
However, she is candid about the dual nature of technological advancement.
“Technology has the power to build and to destroy—it all depends on how you use it. The choice is yours,” she says. Her advice to young Ghanaians is simple yet profound, “Learn a skill. Use your smartphone wisely. Technology is a tool for transformation.”
Dreams for Mobile Web Ghana and beyond
Despite the challenges, Florence remains optimistic about the future. Mobile Web Ghana, which began as a project under the Web Foundation, has grown into a beacon of hope for digital literacy in Africa.
Her vision for the organisation is expansive: “We hope to be in places you least expect, transforming communities through simple yet impactful skills.”
Collaboration is central to her strategy.
“We believe in partnerships. If we find a capable partner in the Volta Region, for example, we team up to achieve our goals. We don’t need to be physically present to make an impact,” she explains.
By empowering local leaders and fostering collaborations, Florence aims to create a ripple effect that extends beyond Ghana’s borders.
A message of hope for the youth
For Florence, her journey from a village in the Volta Region to international stages is proof that determination and access to opportunities can change lives.
“I’ve had the privilege of traveling to many countries and speaking on international platforms I once thought were beyond reach. Sometimes, when I arrive at these venues and see my name and face on the event banners, I can’t help but pause and ask myself, ‘Who am I to be sharing the stage with such brilliant minds?’” she said with a mix of wonder and humility in her voice.
Yet her story is a testament to what is possible when ambition meets preparation. Her advice to the youth is both a challenge and a call to action.
“We have an incredible opportunity in our lifetime to expand our knowledge and leverage it to compete on a global scale. Yes, we may face challenges here in Ghana, and it’s easy to shift the blame to external factors. But, let’s be real—if you have access to a smartphone, what are you doing with it? Are you using it for progress? Don’t waste time on trivial pursuits. Your smartphone is not just a device; it’s a gateway to the world. Choose to learn. Choose to grow. The opportunities are endless if you are willing to seize them.”
As Florence Toffah continues to blaze trails, she remains a symbol of hope and innovation, proving that the intersection of passion, resilience, and technology can indeed transform lives.
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