Abidjan, June 23, 2026 — The Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, inaugurated on Monday, June 22, the professional immersion phase for the first cohort of the digital economy management degree program at the Multinational Superior School of Posts (EMSP). This pilot initiative aims to equip future leaders in digital transformation across Côte d’Ivoire and other African member states of the institution.

The three-month internship, concluded by a formal report defense before a jury, is an integral part of the academic curriculum for third-year students enrolled in the digital economy management program at EMSP. It provides learners with a unique opportunity to sharpen both professional and personal skills in real-world settings.

The inaugural class of 100 students has been assigned to 43 public, semi-public, and private organizations, where they will complete their internships from June 22 to September 22. In addition to their placement letters, each student received financial support equivalent to three months of stipend to cover essential expenses such as transportation during their corporate stay.

During the official internship launch ceremony held at the auditorium of Tour Postel 2001, Minister Djibril Ouattara emphasized the historic significance of the moment and the weighty responsibilities carried by the students as pioneers of this new chapter.

« Dear trailblazers, fully grasp the magnitude of this milestone. You are not an ordinary graduating class. You are the first cohort to embark on this culminating internship. You are the ambassadors of this program, and through your performance, the industry and public sector will assess the value of your qualification. This distinction comes with a profound privilege—and an equally profound responsibility. You do not merely represent EMSP; you carry the future of digital transformation for our respective nations on your shoulders, » he declared.

Reinforcing these expectations, the Minister urged the students to embrace values of discipline, integrity, rigor, and excellence, urging them to remain inquisitive, proactive, and bold in their pursuits.

Michel Touré, Director-General of EMSP, reflected on the journey behind the creation of these specialized programs, highlighting the innovative nature of the profiles being cultivated.

« We are shaping a new generation of professionals—not engineers, not technicians, but versatile leaders capable of thriving across diverse ecosystems and environments. They will be equipped to support every system, » he stated.

Founded in 1970 under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), EMSP is a pan-African institution serving eight member countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. Originally established to train postal and financial services cadres, the school has since evolved its curriculum to align with technological and economic shifts.

Today, EMSP is actively pursuing a diversification strategy, training professionals skilled not only in traditional postal services but also in emerging fields such as digital marketing, logistics, digital finance, and data-driven innovation.

The internship launch ceremony drew notable attendees, including the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Amadou Coulibaly, and the Ambassador of Mauritania to Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Mohamed Abdallah, who represented the EMSP member states.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst