Africa’s tech ecosystem is experiencing a new dawn as Darey.io launches Xterns AI, a groundbreaking platform that combines hands-on project experience with advanced AI-driven analytics. Xterns AI was built to bridge the gap between academic learning and tech industry experience.
The platform is an extension of Darey.io’s mission to empower Africa’s tech ecosystem and support enterprises with job-ready talent. The platform builds on Darey.io’s successful track record of equipping over 3,000 African tech professionals with industry-ready skills.
Xterns AI is designed to empower emerging tech professionals, connect seasoned tech professionals with meaningful mentorship opportunities, and offer enterprises and hiring managers data-rich insights into Africa’s rapidly growing tech talent pool.
AI-powered talent development
The African tech ecosystem has a talent problem. According to industry experts, the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application is a significant hurdle in tech recruitment.
With new innovations emerging daily, the tech world moves fast. Traditional education is unable to keep pace with these rapid changes. This means graduates and other learners are stuck with out-of-date curricula. This problem means tech talent are full of theoretical knowledge but ill-equipped to convert that knowledge to practise in the professional world. This also means that the professional tech ecosystem has to bear the burden of hiring raw talent and investing significant resources to train them for real-world roles.
This space between tech education and the tech industry desperately needs a bridge for job seekers and employers in Africa. Xterns AI is solving this problem for the three stakeholder groups involved; established tech professionals, emerging talent, and employers.
What sets Xterns AI apart is its ingenious approach to tech training. Xterns AI simulates real work scenarios and pairs each learner with industry professionals. This creates an environment where knowledge directly meets application. In place of static conventional courses, Xterns AI offers users ongoing, project-based learning with real deliverables and teams. This is done under the guidance of tech leads with real industry experiences. This helps emerging talents engage with the “Why” of problem-solving and not just the “How”
“At the core of this process is our integration of AI and ML, which track and analyse each talent’s progress across technical and soft skills in real-time.” Says Dare Olufumilayo, founder of Darey.io. “By focusing on the ‘why’ behind these skills—not just the ‘how’—Xterns AI builds a foundation of understanding, resilience, and professional maturity. In doing so, we prepare future tech leaders who are ready to make an immediate impact, equipped with the mindset, data-backed credentials, and practical expertise to thrive in any tech environment.”
Innovating for three sides of the industry
The platform’s launch comes at a crucial time when African companies increasingly seek effective tech talent who can contribute significantly from day one. Its approach serves three sides of the professional tech ecosystem;
For tech leads, Xterns AI has created a platform to share industry insights and skills. Experienced tech professionals can flex their leadership muscles by mentoring upcoming talent. Using this AI-enhanced platform that automates routine tasks, these professionals can focus on meaningful guidance that aligns with industry standards.
The system includes tools for project management, milestone tracking, and real-time progress monitoring. This structured approach fosters long-term mentorship, allowing tech leads to balance their professional responsibilities while earning from their expertise. With each project, session, and piece of feedback, tech leads will contribute to building a capable workforce that transforms Africa’s tech landscape.
For emerging talent, the platform provides experience with real-world projects under the guidance of industry veterans. These talents are referred to as Xterns. They are challenged to move beyond theory to essential skills like collaboration, strategic thinking, and adaptability.
Xterns receive continuous, meaningful feedback. This helps them refine not only technical skills but also professional habits like communication, time management, and creative problem-solving. Behind the scenes, AI-driven tools and algorithms track skill development and build comprehensive digital portfolios that showcase both technical and soft skills as these xterns progress.
This approach results in well-rounded talent with the resilience and skill to adapt to a fast-paced, result-driven environment.
For employers, Xterns AI provides data-driven insights into candidates’ capabilities based on their performance in real-world projects. With this, recruitment managers can select from a pool of world-class talent prepared for real work based on their performances.
This approach aims to make tech recruitment easier, more predictable, and more efficient.
The future of Xterns AI
Xterns AI plans to enhance its platform with advanced ML models to better support workforce planning, and expanded partnerships with enterprises.
By combining AI-driven analytics with practical experience, Xterns AI aims to create a new generation of tech professionals who are prepared for the challenges of modern technology industry roles. The success of this platform could also set a new benchmark for tech education and professional development across Africa.
On Wednesday, 27th November 2024, at 6 PM GMT / 7 PM WAT, Darey.io will host a virtual event titled, “The X Factor: Build a Portfolio That Gets You Approached, Not the Other Way Around.”
The session will feature Dare Olufumilayo, founder of Darey.io, alongside Sebastian Obeta, a visionary leader in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Sebastian, a distinguished member of the European AI Alliance and founder of the Applied Artificial Intelligence Society, brings a wealth of experience mentoring and shaping tech talent globally. His achievements include being named among the Top 100 African Professionals and receiving the Dean’s Award for Impact and Innovation.
Together, they will explore actionable strategies for crafting portfolios and professional profiles that stand out, attract opportunities, and future-proof careers in tech.
Click here to register and learn more.
For further enquiries, email hello@xterns.com
