Côte d’Ivoire: first digital economy management interns begin professional immersion
Abidjan, June 23, 2026 — On June 22, Djibril Ouattara, Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, officially launched the three-month internship phase for the first cohort of students enrolled in the professional bachelor’s program in digital economy management at the Multinational Superior School of Posts (EMSP). This pioneering initiative is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders driving digital transformation across Côte d’Ivoire and the EMSP’s eight member states in West Africa.
The internship, an integral part of the L3 curriculum for the Digital Economy Management program, serves as a bridge between academic learning and real-world application. It offers students a hands-on opportunity to refine both technical and soft skills while contributing to host organizations in public, semi-public, and private sectors. Scheduled from June 22 to September 22, the placement spans 43 partner institutions.
Each of the 100 interns received a three-month stipend to offset living expenses, including transportation costs. The financial support underscores the program’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to immersive professional experiences for all participants.
A historic moment for pioneers
During the launch ceremony held at the Tour Postel 2001 auditorium, Minister Ouattara addressed the students as the “pioneers” of Côte d’Ivoire’s digital future. He emphasized the unique significance of their role in shaping the perception of their degree and the EMSP’s reputation in both industry and government circles.
“This is no ordinary cohort. You are the first to embark on this final internship stage, and with that comes a profound responsibility. You are not just representing the EMSP — you embody the future of digital transformation for our nations. Embrace this privilege with discipline, and meet the challenge with curiosity, boldness, and relentless excellence,” he urged.
Ouattara also called on the students to uphold values of rigor, integrity, and innovation, positioning them as catalysts for progress in the digital landscape.
Building adaptable leaders for a changing economy
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 established to train postal and financial services professionals, the EMSP has expanded its mission to address the demands of a rapidly digitizing economy.
“We have deliberately cultivated a new kind of graduate — not engineers or technicians, but versatile professionals capable of thriving in diverse ecosystems, from traditional postal services to emerging sectors like digital marketing, fintech, and logistics,” Touré explained.
The EMSP now serves eight African nations: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo. Its modernized curriculum reflects a strategic pivot toward digital and hybrid competencies essential for navigating global technological shifts.
Celebrating collaboration and commitment
The official internship launch brought together key stakeholders, including Amadou Coulibaly, Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, and H.E. Mohamed Abdallah, Ambassador of Mauritania to Côte d’Ivoire, representing the EMSP’s member states.
