Abidjan, 23 June 2026 – The Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, inaugurated on 22 June the practical immersion phase of the first cohort of the Bachelor’s degree in Digital Economy Management at the École Multinationale Supérieure des Postes (EMSP). This pioneering program is designed to equip future leaders with the skills to drive digital transformation across Côte d’Ivoire and other African member states.
The three-month internship, culminating in a final report evaluated by a panel, is a core component of the Licence 3 (L3) program for students pursuing advanced studies in digital economy management. It offers a unique opportunity to refine both professional and interpersonal competencies in real-world settings.
A total of 100 students have been placed in 43 public, semi-public, and private institutions across the country, where they will undergo structured training from 22 June to 22 September. In addition to their placement letters, each student received financial support equivalent to three months of scholarship funds, intended to cover essential expenses such as transportation during their internship.
Speaking at the official launch ceremony held at the Tour Postel 2001 auditorium, Minister Ouattara described the moment as historic and emphasized the weight of responsibility carried by the students as pioneers of this initiative.
“Dear pioneers, grasp the significance of this milestone. You are not just another graduating class. You are the very first cohort to embark on this crucial final-year internship. You will be the ambassadors of this program—its success or failure will reflect directly on the value of your degree. This brings both immense privilege and profound responsibility. You do not represent the EMSP alone; you carry the future of digital transformation for our respective nations,” he stated.
He urged the students to embrace values of rigor, integrity, discipline, and excellence, encouraging them to remain inquisitive, proactive, and bold in their professional journeys.
Michel Touré, Director-General of the EMSP, reflected on the journey that led to the creation of this innovative training pathway, highlighting the distinctive profiles being developed.
“We have endeavored to shape and deliver a new generation of professionals—not engineers, not technicians, but versatile leaders capable of navigating and excelling in any ecosystem or environment. They will be equipped to support every system,” he explained.
Established in 1970 under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the EMSP is a leading interstate institution serving eight African countries: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo. Originally focused on postal administration and financial services, the school has evolved to meet the demands of technological and economic change.
Today, the EMSP is committed to diversifying its educational offerings to prepare professionals for roles in both traditional postal sectors and emerging fields such as digital marketing, logistics, digital finance, and e-commerce.
The staging 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, His Excellency Mohamed Abdallah, representing the EMSP’s member states.
