Pioneering program set to shape Africa’s digital future
The Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Djibril Ouattara, inaugurated the professional immersion phase of the first cohort of students enrolled in the Bachelor’s degree program in Management of the Digital Economy at the École Multinationale Supérieure des Postes (EMSP). The launch took place on June 22, 2026, marking a historic milestone for Côte d’Ivoire and its partner nations in the digital transformation landscape.
The three-month internship, a core component of the academic curriculum for the final-year students of the Management of the Digital Economy program (FS MENUM), serves as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world professional experience. Upon completion, students will present a comprehensive report to a jury, demonstrating their acquired skills and insights.
A total of 100 students from the inaugural class have been assigned to 43 public, semi-public, and private institutions. Their internships are scheduled to run from June 22 to September 22, 2026. To support their transition into professional environments, each student received financial assistance equivalent to three months of scholarship funds, helping cover essential expenses such as transportation during their placement.
Minister Ouattara urges future digital leaders to embrace responsibility
During the official launch ceremony held at the auditorium of Tour Postel 2001, Minister Ouattara addressed the students with a powerful message, underscoring the significance of their role as pioneers in the digital transformation journey of Côte d’Ivoire and the wider African region.
« My dear pioneers, fully grasp the magnitude of this moment. You are not just another graduating class. You are the very first cohort to embark on this professional immersion, and as such, you are the face of this program. The value of your degree will be judged through your performance. This brings immense privilege, but also places a profound responsibility upon your shoulders. You are not only representing EMSP; you are carrying the future of digital transformation for our respective countries, » he emphasized.
The Minister called on the students to uphold values of rigor, integrity, discipline, and excellence, urging them to remain curious, proactive, and bold in their professional endeavors.
EMSP redefines professional training for Africa’s evolving job market
In his address, Michel Touré, Director General of the EMSP, reflected on the journey that led to the creation of this groundbreaking program. He highlighted the unique profiles being cultivated—professionals neither purely engineers nor technicians, but versatile experts capable of thriving across diverse ecosystems and industries.
« We have crafted and nurtured a new generation of professionals. They are not engineers or technicians, yet they will be equipped to operate seamlessly within any industry or environment. They will be the driving force behind the transformation of systems across sectors, » he stated.
The EMSP, established in 1970 under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), is a leading interstate institution bringing together eight African countries: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sénégal, and Togo. Originally focused on training postal administration and financial services professionals, the institution has evolved to meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological and economic landscape.
Today, the EMSP is committed to diversifying its educational offerings, equipping professionals with skills that bridge traditional postal services with emerging fields such as digital marketing, financial technology, logistics, and the digital economy. The 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 member states.
