Historic launch of digital transformation internships in Abidjan
Abidjan — The minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, inaugurated the professional immersion phase of the first cohort in digital economy management at the École multinationale supérieure des postes (EMSP) on June 22, 2026. This pilot program is designed to equip future leaders with the skills needed to drive digital transformation across Côte d’Ivoire and other member states of the institution.
A three-month internship bridging theory and practice
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 Program in Digital Economy Management (FS MENUM) at EMSP. This hands-on experience offers students a unique opportunity to hone both professional and personal competencies in real-world settings.
The inaugural class of 100 students has been placed in 43 public, semi-public, and private organizations across Côte d’Ivoire, 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 to cover expenses such as transportation.
Minister emphasizes the weight of this pivotal moment
During the official launch ceremony held at the auditorium of Tour Postel 2001, Djibril Ouattara highlighted the historic significance of the occasion and the responsibilities entrusted to the students as ‘pioneers’ of this groundbreaking initiative.
‘Dear pioneers, recognize the magnitude of this moment. You are not just another graduating class. You are the very first cohort to embark on this final-year internship. You are the ambassadors of this program, the standard-bearers whose performance will shape perceptions of the value of your degree among industry and administration alike. This privilege comes with immense responsibilities. You are not merely representing EMSP; you are also carrying the future of our nations’ digital transformation on your shoulders,’ he emphasized.
Ouattara urged the students to embrace values of rigor, integrity, discipline, and excellence, encouraging them to remain curious, proactive, and bold in their pursuits.
A transformative program for a new generation of professionals
EMSP Director General Michel Touré reflected on the journey that led to the creation of this innovative program, emphasizing the distinctive profiles of the graduates it aims to produce.
‘We are cultivating a new generation of professionals who are neither engineers nor technicians, yet capable of thriving in diverse ecosystems and environments. They will be equipped to support and innovate across all sectors,’ he explained.
Established in 1970 under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), EMSP is an interstate institution that brings together eight African countries: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo. While originally focused on training postal administration and financial services professionals, the school has evolved to meet the demands of technological and economic change.
Today, EMSP is actively diversifying its educational offerings to prepare professionals for roles in traditional postal sectors as well as emerging fields such as digital marketing, digital finance, logistics, and digital economy management.
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, H.E. Mohamed Abdallah, who represented the other member states of EMSP.