Agence de Presse Sénégalaise (APS) is Senegal’s national news agency and a key source of official news and information. Founded in 1959, APS operates as a public media company under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Communication. Despite its long-standing role in the country’s media ecosystem, APS remains heavily reliant on government funding and closely aligned with official narratives. In recent years, the agency has sought to diversify its offerings, including the launch of the monthly magazine APS Hebdo in September 2023.
Media assets
News agency: APS
Publishing: APS Hebdo
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
APS was created by government order no. 59-054 in 1959 as a public establishment with an industrial and commercial character. In 2019, the agency’s status was revised to that of a “national company.” It remains accountable to the Ministry of Culture and Communication, reflecting its continued integration within the state media framework.
Source of funding and budget
The agency’s financial resources come mainly from a state subsidy. Local experts interviewed for this report in May 2025 estimated APS’s annual budget at approximately XOF 400 million (around US$740,000).
Staff members have voiced concerns over the years about the stagnant budget, noting that the subsidy has not been increased despite inflation and rising operational costs. The broader fiscal environment in 2025 is characterized by government efforts to tighten public spending, as reflected in the 2025 rectified finance law and revised budget forecasts for 2026–2028, which may limit prospects for increased funding.
Editorial independence
APS’s editorial line is widely regarded as closely aligned with government positions. The agency’s management traditionally maintains close ties with the ruling party, and its coverage generally reflects official government narratives.
There is no legal framework or independent oversight mechanism in place to guarantee or assess editorial independence. International organizations, including Freedom House, have noted APS’s role in disseminating government and, at times, Chinese state-aligned messaging.
June 2025