Abidjan, June 23, 2026 – The Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, launched on June 22 the six-month internships for the first class of the professional degree program in digital economy management at the École Multinationale Supérieure des Postes (EMSP). This initiative marks a pivotal step in equipping Côte d’Ivoire and other member states with skilled professionals to drive the digital transformation across West Africa.

The internship program, a mandatory part of the third-year curriculum for the Digital Economy Management Higher Studies (FS MENUM), requires students to complete a three-month placement in public, semi-public, or private organizations. Each of the 100 students in this inaugural cohort has been assigned to one of 43 host institutions, where they will apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. To support their participation, students received a financial stipend equivalent to three months of scholarship funds, covering essential expenses such as transportation.

The official launch event, held at the auditorium of Tour Postel 2001, highlighted the historic significance of the moment. Minister Djibril Ouattara addressed the students as pioneers, emphasizing the unique responsibilities they bear as the first cohort of this groundbreaking program. “This is not just another academic milestone—you are the first to embark on this journey,” he stated. “You are the ambassadors of this initiative, and your performance will shape how the industry and public sector perceive the value of your degree. This privilege comes with immense responsibility: you are not only representing EMSP but also carrying the future of digital transformation for our nations.”

In his address, the minister underscored the importance of core values such as rigor, integrity, discipline, and excellence. “Stay curious, be proactive, and dare to innovate,” he encouraged the students. He also stressed the need for adaptability and boldness in navigating the evolving digital landscape.

Michel Touré, Director General of EMSP, reflected on the institution’s evolution from its founding in 1970 under the Universal Postal Union to its current role in fostering a new generation of professionals. “We are not training engineers or technicians,” he explained. “Instead, we are cultivating versatile professionals capable of thriving in any ecosystem—whether in traditional postal services or emerging fields like digital marketing, fintech, and logistics. This program is designed to bridge the gap between opportunity and readiness in Africa’s digital economy.”

EMSP, an intergovernmental institution established in 1970, brings together eight African nations: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo. Originally focused on postal and financial services, the school has expanded its curriculum to meet the demands of a tech-driven economy, preparing students for careers in digital innovation and beyond.

The ceremony was attended by key figures, including the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Amadou Coulibaly, and the Ambassador of Mauritania to Côte d’Ivoire, Mohamed Abdallah, representing the EMSP member states.