The first cohort of students enrolled in the Digital Economy Management program at the École Multinationale Supérieure des Postes (EMSP) in Abidjan has officially begun their three-month professional immersion, marking a historic milestone for digital transformation in Côte d’Ivoire and the wider West African region.
On June 22, 2026, Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, inaugurated the internship phase of the pilot program, designed to equip future leaders with the skills needed to drive economic and digital change across African member states of the EMSP.
The internship, a mandatory component of the third-year curriculum for the Bachelor’s in Digital Economy Management, requires students to complete a three-month placement in 43 public, semi-public, and private organizations. Each student receives financial support equivalent to three months of stipend, covering essential expenses such as transportation during their assignment.
Speaking at the launch event held at the Tour Postel 2001 auditorium, Minister Ouattara emphasized the unique significance of the moment, hailing the students as pioneers of a new era in African digital development. He urged them to embrace their role with responsibility, discipline, and innovation, stating, « You are not just another graduating class—you are the first. You carry the future of digital transformation for our nations. This is a privilege, but also a historic responsibility. »
Highlighting the values of rigor, integrity, and excellence, he encouraged the students to be proactive, bold, and solution-driven in their professional journeys.
In his remarks, Michel Touré, Director General of the EMSP, reflected on the evolution of the institution since its founding in 1970 under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union. Originally focused on postal and financial services, the EMSP has expanded its academic portfolio to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital landscape. Today, it trains professionals capable of thriving in both traditional postal sectors and emerging fields such as digital marketing, fintech, and e-logistics.
The EMSP now serves eight African member states: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo. The internship launch 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 fellow member states.
As the students embark on this professional journey, the program stands as a testament to the EMSP’s commitment to fostering a new generation of versatile leaders, ready to shape the digital future of Africa.
