EU funded project Digital Explorers connects young professionals with European tech companies

Young professional Jemima Abu started her career as a developer in Nigeria, her home country. Later, she continued in Lithuania through a Digital Explorers program, and now she is based in the United Kingdom. She has spoken at over 60 conferences around the world and written more than 30 articles for leading tech platforms. Her inspiring career journey is one of the successful examples delivered by the EU funded project Digital Explorers.

Digital Explorers is an initiative implemented by Osmos Global Partnerships, as well as partners from the public and private sector, supported by the EU through the Migration Partnership Facility. Launched in 2019, this initiative helps to connect professionals from non-EU countries who have skills and talent in the digital sector with European tech companies. Throughout the different iterations, it facilitates exchanges between the Baltic countries-Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania-and technology specialists from countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Armenia and Iraq.

By turning training programmes and hackathons into real internships and jobs, the project responds to a wider challenge: the global shortage of digital skills. Many countries have growing technology sectors but lack enough specialists in areas such as software development or data analysis. Digital Explorers strengthens international cooperation while supporting the competitiveness and growth of the EU digital economy. In its recent phase, the project organised business missions and hackathons, onboarded 17 Baltic companies and 31 non-EU companies, and provided advanced digital skills training to 130 participants. In addition, 56 Information and Communication Technology specialists were matched with companies in the Baltics and 63 with opportunities in their home countries.

From training to real jobs

In the Digital Explorers Iraq edition (2023-2025), a group of aspiring young Iraqi professionals joined a six-month programme focused on data analytics. Participants gained practical experience, hands-on training, mentorship and insights into best industry practices through partnerships with organisations such as Turing College and Five One Labs.

The programme did not stop with the training. Universities and public sector institutions from Iraq, Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Lithuania were matched for knowledge exchange in data science and governance. Several job fairs, community events were organised, and a top performing Explorer was matched with a Lithuanian R&D company for a remote internship. This practical experience also helped Iraqi companies understand how data analysis can support better decision-making while giving young professionals a first step into the digital job market.

For many participants, the experience is transformative. Young professionals who previously had limited access to advanced digital training are able to work with mentors, collaborate with international peers and learn how global tech companies operate.

Past editions of Digital Explorers show similar success stories. Between 2019 and 2021, around 30 young Nigerian professionals were selected to work in leading Lithuanian tech companies. They worked on projects involving automation systems and big data solutions.

A partnership that benefits everyone

Beyond individual careers, Digital Explorers demonstrates how international cooperation can create legal pathways for mobility, professional development and economic growth. Participants gain skills and experience, companies access new talent, and partner countries strengthen their digital ecosystems.

Project Information

Duration:  2019-2026

Budget:

• Digital Explorers I(January 2019 - December 2021): EUR 1 349 161 (94.9% from AMIF)
• Digital Explorer II(March 2023 - November 2026): EUR 3 472 437 (95% from AMIF)
• Digital Explorers Iraq edition(September 2023 - June 2025): EUR 399 458 (95% from AMIF)

Countries:

• Digital Explorers I: Lithuania, Nigeria
• Digital Explorers II: Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Nigeria, Armenia, Kenya
• Digital Explorers Iraq Edition: Lithuania, Iraq

EU contribution:

• Digital Explorers I: EUR 1 280 320
• Digital Explorers II: EUR 3 298 815
• Digital Explorers Iraq edition: EUR 379 485

Fund: AMIF

Project Information: Digital Explorers