Digital Explorers II: second cohort begins their internship and study journey in Tallinn

Last week, we welcomed the second cohort of Digital Explorers II from Kenya to Tallinn. Twenty IT students from Strathmore University and Kenyatta University have now begun their internship and study journey at Tallinn University.
The first week focused on orientation, context, and connection.

We began at Tallinn University with an introduction to Estonia’s digital transformation story and the broader ecosystem that supports innovation and technology-driven growth. Students were also introduced to the university’s internationalisation priorities and our growing cooperation with Sub-Saharan Africa — positioning this programme within a longer-term partnership framework rather than a short-term exchange.

In collaboration with EXU, we presented different forms of university–enterprise cooperation, highlighting how applied research, innovation projects, and company collaboration intersect. Internship companies introduced their project challenges, ranging from digital platform development and user-centred design to solutions supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystems. This gave students a concrete understanding of the work ahead.

Beyond formal sessions, the group explored the Tallinn University campus, met mentors, walked through the Old Town, and took part in a cultural cooking session — an early step in adapting not only to new professional expectations but also to a very different culture and climate.

This is our second time hosting Digital Explorers from Kenya, and we already see continuity and impact from previous cohorts — some participants have continued their studies in Estonia, some have joined companies here, and others have returned home to build new initiatives.

The current group stands out as highly motivated, technically capable, and genuinely curious about Estonia’s startup ecosystem. Their internship placements have now begun, alongside their study component, marking the start of an intensive and collaborative few months ahead.

We are grateful to everyone making this program happen and are looking forward to seeing the collaborations, ideas, and partnerships that will grow from this experience. 

The "Digital Explorers II" programme is implemented with the financial assistance of the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Mobility Partnership Facility and led a well-equipped consortium of Lithuanian think-and-do-tank OSMOS Global Partnerships, Estonian Center for International Development (ESTDEV), and Latvian Startup Association Startin.LV.