Pioneering internship program kicks off in Abidjan
Abidjan, June 23, 2026 — The Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, inaugurated on June 22, 2026, the professional immersion phase of the first cohort in digital economy management at the Multinational Postgraduate School of Posts (EMSP). This pilot program is designed to shape the next generation of digital transformation leaders in Côte d’Ivoire and other African member states of the institution.
A transformative three-month experience
The internship, which runs from June 22 to September 22, is a mandatory component of the academic program for third-year students pursuing the Digital Economy Management Professional Bachelor’s degree. Serving as the capstone of their studies, the internship allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings while honing both professional and personal skills.
This inaugural class comprises 100 students, all of whom have been placed in 43 public, semi-public, and private organizations across Côte d’Ivoire. To support their participation, each intern received a financial stipend equivalent to three months of scholarship funds, covering essential expenses such as transportation.
A moment of historic significance
During the official internship launch ceremony held at the Tour Postel 2001 auditorium, Minister Ouattara emphasized the unprecedented nature of this milestone. Addressing the students as “pioneers,” he highlighted the unique responsibilities they bear as the first cohort to embark on this journey.
“Dear pioneers, recognize the magnitude of this moment. You are not just another graduating class—you are the very first to begin this culminating internship. You are the ambassadors of this program, and through your performance, the industry and administration will measure the value of your diploma. This distinction comes with immense privilege, but it also carries historical responsibilities. You do not represent the EMSP alone; you carry the future of digital transformation for our respective nations on your shoulders,” he stated.
The Minister called on the students to embrace values of rigor, integrity, discipline, and excellence, urging them to be proactive, innovative, and bold in their approach.
Building a new generation of versatile professionals
Michel Touré, Director General of the EMSP, reflected on the journey to establish this program, underscoring the distinctive profiles being cultivated.
“We have worked to shape and offer a new generation of students—individuals who are neither engineers nor technicians, but who will be equipped to thrive in any ecosystem or environment. They will be capable of supporting all systems,” he explained.
The EMSP, founded in 1970 under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union, is an interstate institution uniting eight African countries: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo. Originally established to train postal and financial services professionals, the school has evolved to meet the demands of technological and economic change.
Today, the EMSP is committed to diversifying its offerings, preparing professionals who can excel not only in traditional postal sectors but also in emerging fields such as digital marketing, finance, logistics, and digital transformation.
A gathering of leaders
The internship launch ceremony brought together prominent figures, including the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, Amadou Coulibaly, and the Ambassador of Mauritania to Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Mohamed Abdallah, who represented the other EMSP member states.