Côte d’Ivoire leads digital economy training with pioneering EMSP internships

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

The three-month internships, which culminate in a final report evaluated by a jury, are a core component of the academic curriculum for third-year students pursuing the Advanced Digital Economy Management degree. This hands-on experience provides learners with an opportunity to refine both technical and soft skills in real-world environments.

A total of 100 students from the inaugural class have been assigned to 43 public, semi-public, and private organizations for their internships, running from June 22 to September 22. In addition to their placement letters, each student received financial support equivalent to three months of a stipend to cover essential expenses such as transportation.

During the official launch ceremony held at the auditorium of Tour Postel 2001, Minister Ouattara emphasized the historic significance of the moment and the weight of responsibility carried by the students as trailblazers of this program.

« Esteemed pioneers, recognize the magnitude of the opportunity before you. You are not just another graduating class. You are the very first cohort embarking on this final internship. As ambassadors of this program, you will be judged by how effectively you represent its value to both industry and government. This is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. You are not merely representing the EMSP; you are carrying the future of digital transformation for our nations on your shoulders »

He urged the students to uphold values of rigor, integrity, discipline, and excellence, encouraging them to remain curious, proactive, and bold in their approach.

The Director General of the EMSP, Michel Touré, reflected on the journey to establish these programs, highlighting the unique nature of the graduates being trained.

« We have cultivated a new generation of professionals, distinct from traditional engineers or technicians. These graduates are versatile problem-solvers capable of thriving in diverse ecosystems and industries. They will be equipped to support both established postal systems and emerging sectors in digital technology, logistics, and financial innovation »

The EMSP, founded in 1970 under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), is an intergovernmental institution serving eight African nations: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo. While its origins were rooted in training postal and financial services professionals, the school has evolved to meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological and economic landscape.

The internship launch event was attended by key figures, including the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, Amadou Coulibaly, as well as the Mauritanian Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Mohamed Abdallah, representing the other EMSP member states.