Abidjan, June 2026 — 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 EMSP on June 22. This pilot program is designed to equip future digital transformation leaders across Côte d’Ivoire and other African member states of the institution.

An unprecedented three-month internship

The three-month internship, culminating in a final report defended before a jury, is a core component of the third-year curriculum for students enrolled in the Digital Economy Management program. It provides a valuable opportunity for learners to refine both professional and personal competencies in real-world settings.

The inaugural class of 100 students has been assigned to 43 public, semi-public, and private organizations, where they will complete their immersion experience from June 22 to September 22. In addition to their internship letters, each student received financial support equivalent to three months of scholarship funds, aimed at covering essential expenses such as transportation during their placement.

Minister calls on pioneers to embrace responsibility

Speaking at the official internship launch ceremony held at the Tour Postel 2001 auditorium, Djibril Ouattara emphasized the historic significance of the moment and the unique responsibilities facing these interns as trailblazers of a new educational pathway.

« Dear pioneers, fully grasp the magnitude of this experience. You are not just another graduating class. You are the first cohort to embark on this end-of-year internship. You are the ambassadors of this program — the very standard by which industry and administration will measure the value of your degree. This brings immense privilege, but also places upon you a historic responsibility. You don’t represent the EMSP alone; you carry on your shoulders the future of digital transformation across our respective nations, » he urged.

Ouattara also underscored the importance of values such as rigor, integrity, discipline, and excellence, encouraging students to remain curious, proactive, and bold in their professional journeys.

EMSP prepares a new generation of versatile leaders

Michel Touré, Director-General of the EMSP, reflected on the journey that led to the creation of these innovative programs, highlighting the distinctive profiles being cultivated.

« We’re shaping an entirely new generation of students — not engineers, not technicians, but professionals capable of thriving in any ecosystem or environment. They will be equipped to support diverse systems, » he explained.

Founded in 1970 under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union, the EMSP is a leading intergovernmental institution serving eight African countries: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo. While originally focused on training postal and financial services administrators, the school has evolved to meet technological and economic shifts, now offering pathways in digital marketing, digital finance, logistics, and emerging digital professions.

The internship launch ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Amadou Coulibaly, and the Ambassador of Mauritania to Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Mohamed Abdallah, representing fellow EMSP member states.