Pioneering digital economy managers begin professional immersion in Côte d’Ivoire

Abidjan, June 23, 2026 — The Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, launched on June 22 the professional immersion phase of the first cohort of the vocational degree in digital economy management at the École multinationale supérieure des postes (EMSP). This pilot program is designed to equip future leaders of digital transformation in Côte d’Ivoire and other African member states with critical skills.

The three-month internship, culminating in a final report evaluated by a jury, is a core component of the academic curriculum for third-year students enrolled in the Higher Education Programs in Digital Economy Management (FS MENUM). It offers learners an invaluable opportunity to hone both professional and personal competencies in real-world settings.

All 100 students from the inaugural class have been assigned to 43 public, parapublic, and private host 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 a scholarship, intended 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 highlighted the historic significance of the moment and the responsibilities entrusted to these trainees as pioneers of the program.

« Esteemed pioneers, recognize the magnitude of this milestone. You are not just another graduating class. You are the very first to embark on this crucial internship phase. As ambassadors of this program, your performance will shape how industry and government perceive the value of your degree. This distinction brings not only a rare privilege but also a profound historical responsibility. You do not merely represent the EMSP; you carry the future of digital transformation for our respective nations on your shoulders, » he emphasized.

The Minister urged the students to embrace values of rigor, integrity, discipline, and excellence, encouraging them to remain curious, proactive, and bold in their pursuits.

Echoing his remarks, EMSP Director-General Michel Touré reflected on the journey behind the creation of these training programs, emphasizing the unique profiles being developed.

« We have crafted and presented a new generation of graduates, » he stated. « They are neither engineers nor technicians, yet they are equipped to thrive across diverse ecosystems and environments. They will be capable of supporting any system, adapting to any sector. »

Established in 1970 under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the EMSP is a premier interstate institution uniting eight African nations: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo. Originally focused on training postal administration and financial services cadres, the school has progressively evolved its curriculum to align with technological and economic shifts.

Today, the EMSP is committed to a diversification strategy aimed at preparing professionals who can excel not only in traditional postal sectors but also in emerging fields such as digital economy, logistics, digital marketing, and fintech.

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