This is an ICT-focused knowledge and talent exchange initiative between the Baltics and like-minded partner countries, leading the digital revolution in their respective parts of the world.
Between 2019 and 2022, we successfully matched 26 Nigerian tech talents with 13 frontrunning Lithuanian companies, which will have generated up to € 2.5 million in new added value by 2025. Knowledge exchange on Fintech and GovTech followed and Lithuanian tech heavyweight TeleSoftas opened a local delivery centre in Abuja. Supported and endorsed by the European Commission, the 2024 edition has partnered with Kenya’s Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) to scale the mutual benefits and invites Kenyan companies to step on board and benefit from the expertise of local techies through a tailored trainee track.

Application and Selection Process.

The Digital Explorers Program, through the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), issued a call for applications targeting young Kenyan ICT graduates specializing in data analytics, attracting around 1 000 applications nationwide. Each applicant was expected to have at least a year of experience in the field of data analysis and demonstrate a clear motivation and commitment to the project’s objectives. Over a thorough two-month vetting process, the project team meticulously evaluated the candidates, ultimately selecting 40 outstanding young professionals poised to shape the future of Kenya’s tech landscape.

Bootcamp and Skill Enhancement.

In April, KEPSA, in partnership with the Digital Explorers team, organized an intensive boot camp. During the two-day event, industry experts led technical and soft skill training sessions, sharing their experience about how to tackle professional and industry challenges and providing a platform for selected program participants to improve their skills through practical exercises.

Matching with Companies.

Companies now have the opportunity to review detailed profiles of the young data analysts. Each profile highlights the candidates' skills, technical skills, journey to the data analysis field, and compatibility with potential employers. Companies can select candidates that resonate with their needs and conduct personalized interviews. This tailored approach ensures a perfect match between interns and organizations. Beyond technical skills, companies also assess cultural alignment, seeking interns who will seamlessly integrate into their work environment.

Internship and Support.

Once selected, a three-party contract is signed between the project team, the hiring company, and the interns. The contract outlines the main commitments and responsibilities of each party, ensuring that all participants are aligned. Each participant receives a stipend and the companies are expected to contribute a total of around 70,000 KES (or around 15,000 KES monthly) throughout the duration of the This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership Facility. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of VŠI “Osmos Global Partnerships” and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union and the one of ICMPD. internship (5 months). To support companies and participants, the program also contributes to the stipend with at least the same amount. Interns also benefit from additional virtual data analysis training facilitated by international professionals, ensuring continuous growth throughout their internship journey.

Post-Internship Decision. At the end of the five months, companies decide whether to retain these talented individuals and offer them longer-term contracts. If the interns are not retained, the project helps them to find their next career stop. Overall, the project looks to create a mutually beneficial scenario: companies gain skilled interns, and interns receive invaluable industry exposure and training to help accelerate their careers.

The Digital Explorers project is well-equipped and led by an international Baltic team as well as organisations from partner countries such as the Kenya Private Sector Alliance: the Lithuanian think-&-do tank OSMOS, Latvian Startup Association Startin.LV, Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV).