Historic milestone for digital transformation in Côte d’Ivoire
The Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, launched the professional immersion phase for the first cohort of the digital economy management license at the École multinationale supérieure des postes (EMSP) on June 22, 2026. This pioneering program is designed to equip future leaders with the skills needed to drive digital transformation across Côte d’Ivoire and other member states of the institution.
Three-month internships to bridge academia and industry
The three-month internships, which conclude with a final report presented to a jury, are a core component of the Licence 3 (L3) curriculum in Digital Economy Management (FS MENUM). This immersive experience allows students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings while honing both technical and soft skills.
A total of 100 students from the inaugural class have been placed in 43 public, semi-public, and private organizations across Côte d’Ivoire. During their internships from June 22 to September 22, they will receive a stipend equivalent to three months of scholarship funds to cover essential expenses such as transportation.
Minister’s call to action for future digital leaders
Speaking at the official launch ceremony held at the Tour Postel 2001 auditorium, Minister Ouattara emphasized the historic significance of the milestone, urging the students to recognize their unique role as pioneers in their field. “You are not just another graduating class—you are the first to embark on this transformative journey. You represent the standard by which the value of this diploma will be measured. While this is a privilege, it also carries immense responsibility. You are not only shaping the future of the EMSP but also the digital future of our nations,” he stated.
He further encouraged the students to embrace values of rigor, integrity, discipline, and excellence, urging them to be proactive, bold, and innovative in their professional endeavors.
EMSP’s evolving mission: from postal services to digital leadership
Michel Touré, Director-General of the EMSP, reflected on the institution’s evolution since its founding in 1970 under the Universal Postal Union (UPU). Originally established to train postal and financial services professionals for its eight member states—Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo—the EMSP has expanded its curriculum to address emerging sectors such as digital marketing, fintech, and logistics.
“We are shaping a new generation of professionals who are not engineers or technicians but versatile leaders capable of thriving in diverse ecosystems. Their role will be pivotal in modernizing both traditional postal services and cutting-edge digital industries,” Touré explained.
A collaborative future for digital transformation
The stage-setting ceremony was attended by key figures, including the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Amadou Coulibaly, and the Ambassador of Mauritania to Côte d’Ivoire, Mohamed Abdallah, who represented the other EMSP member states. Their presence underscored the program’s regional significance and the shared commitment to advancing digital innovation across West Africa.
