Côte d’Ivoire’s first digital economy management interns begin professional immersion

Abidjan, June 2026 — Djibril Ouattara, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, officially launched the professional internship phase for the first cohort of the Management of the Digital Economy program at the École Multinationale Supérieure des Postes (EMSP). This initiative marks a groundbreaking step in equipping future leaders to drive digital transformation across West Africa.

The three-month internship, a mandatory component of the Licence 3 curriculum, requires students to submit a comprehensive report evaluated by a jury. Designed for students in the Superior Training in Digital Economy Management (FS MENUM), the program aims to blend academic rigor with real-world experience, fostering both technical and soft skills essential for today’s digital workforce.

Fifty students from the inaugural class have been placed in 43 public, semi-public, and private organizations, where they will complete their internships from June to September. Each participant received a three-month stipend to cover living and transportation expenses, ensuring financial stability during their professional immersion.

During the launch event at the Tour Postel 2001 auditorium, Minister Ouattara addressed the students as pioneers, emphasizing the historic significance of their role. « This is not just another graduating class — you are the first to embark on this journey. You represent the future of digital transformation in our countries. Your performance will shape how the industry and government view the value of this degree. With this privilege comes immense responsibility. You are not just representing EMSP; you are carrying the aspirations of our nations.»

He urged them to embrace curiosity, innovation, and boldness, while upholding values of discipline, integrity, and excellence. « Be audacious in your ideas, relentless in your pursuit of knowledge, and unwavering in your commitment to progress. »

Michel Touré, Director General of EMSP, highlighted the institution’s evolution from a postal training hub to a modern hub for digital and economic transformation. « This program doesn’t produce engineers or technicians — it creates versatile professionals. Graduates will be equipped to thrive in any ecosystem — traditional sectors, digital finance, logistics, or marketing. We are shaping a new generation of adaptable leaders for Africa’s digital future. »

Founded in 1970 under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union, EMSP unites eight African nations: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo. Originally focused on postal and financial services, the school has expanded its curriculum to include digital skills, reflecting the continent’s rapid technological evolution.

Building Africa’s Digital Leaders

The internship launch drew high-level attendance, including Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Amadou Coulibaly, and Mauritania’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, S.E.M. Mohamed Abdallah, who represented the other member states. Their presence underscored the regional commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce capable of steering Africa’s digital transition.