Coders Who Travel: Inspiring Global Talent Through Technology, Building a Life Beyond Borders

Posted on June 23, 2026
By Leilana Amoako

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In today’s fast-evolving digital world, access to technology and programming skills can shape not only individual careers but entire communities. Yet, in many developing regions, these opportunities remain limited. This is the gap that Coders Who Travel Inc. was created to bridge.

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The Story Behind Coders Who Travel

Coders Who Travel was founded by Afia Owusu Forfie, a passionate advocate for technology education and inclusion. Her journey began in 2015 when she launched Women Who Code Accra, the first West African network of the global nonprofit Women Who Code. Through this experience, she quickly realized a critical challenge (there was little funding and minimal localized support to sustain and grow such initiatives in Accra, Ghana).

Encouraged to take action, she established Coders Who Travel Inc. with a clear purpose which was to provide both financial and operational support for experts from advanced countries to travel to developing regions and empower local talent in programming and data science.

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Building from the Ground Up

Launching the initiative was no small feat. With nearly $10,000 of personal investment, Afia organized a series of impactful events in Accra, including:

• Hackathons
• Seminars
• Panel discussions
• Career workshops
• Networking events
• Technical demonstrations

These events did more than educate. They built a community as well. Attendees grew into leaders, becoming co-directors, evangelists, and mentors within just six months. What began as a small initiative quickly evolved into a thriving network of passionate learners and professionals.

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Expanding Inclusivity

Although the initial focus was on women in technology, the program naturally expanded. Women participants began inviting their male peers who also needed programming skills. Recognizing this demand, Coders Who Travel adopted a more inclusive approach of supporting both women and men while maintaining a strong focus on empowering women (65% women, 35% men).

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Global Recognition and Growth

The impact of Coders Who Travel has not gone unnoticed. The organization gained international attention, with coverage from major media outlets and invitations to global platforms. Notably, Afia was invited to speak at the World Manufacturing Forum, where she addressed industrial skills development in emerging economies.

Despite challenges such as funding limitations and the disruption caused by COVID-19, the organization continued to adapt. It embraced virtual learning, developed mobile and web applications, and collaborated with universities across Ghana and the United States. In 2021, the team successfully released five courses in partnership with Coursera, further extending their reach.

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Vision and Mission

Coders Who Travel is driven by a powerful vision:

• To inspire and advance the careers of coders in less developed regions of the world.

Its mission is equally impactful:

• To deliver practical programming knowledge, real-world experience, and professional networking opportunities in Ghana and other emerging regions.

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The Challenge They Are Solving

In many parts of the world, access to modern technology training is scarce. Even where resources exist, cultural and structural barriers often limit career growth in the tech space. Coders Who Travel addresses these challenges by:

• Bringing global expertise directly to underserved communities
• Creating strong professional networks
• Providing hands-on, career-focused training
• Encouraging innovation and collaboration

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Looking Ahead

While funding remains a significant hurdle, the dedication of the Coders Who Travel team continues to drive progress. Their story is a testament to what determination, vision, and community can achieve, even in the face of limited resources.

As they look to the future, the goal remains clear (to expand opportunities, empower more individuals, and strengthen the global network of coders, one community at a time).

Coders Who Travel is more than an organization. It is a movement that proves talent is everywhere, even if opportunity is not. By connecting people, knowledge, and purpose, it is helping to shape the future of technology across borders.