The Senegalese Press Agency (APS) has taken an important step in its modernization process with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art multimedia studio and the receipt of new audiovisual, IT and logistics equipment worth approximately 250 million CFA francs.

 

The official ceremony was held in the presence of the Minister of Communication and Relations with Institutions, government spokesperson, Bakary Sarr, as well as numerous officials and agents of the APS.

 

According to the minister, this allocation constitutes "a new step in the modernization of our national press agency" and responds to a long-standing concern of APS workers: to have adequate resources to effectively carry out their public service mission.

 

The equipment received includes two vehicles, twenty motorcycles for regional offices, as well as a large batch of audiovisual and digital equipment, including professional cameras, robotic cameras and technical devices enabling the production of quality reports and live broadcasts from any point in the national territory.

 

"These acquisitions will allow APS to strengthen its multimedia productions, improve its news coverage and ensure broadcasts on a national and international scale," stressed Bakary Sarr.

 

He praised the commitment and professionalism of the APS staff who, despite limited resources, have always ensured the continuity of the public information service. "APS plays a vital role in informing our fellow citizens, both in the regions and among the diaspora, as well as our partners around the world. It remains a benchmark in the collection, processing, and dissemination of information," he stated.

 

He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting public media in their modernization so that they can fully fulfill their missions.

 

Speaking at the event, the Director General of APS, Momar Diongue, noted that this project is a continuation of the efforts undertaken by his predecessors. He emphasized that when he took office in November 2024, APS had only six vehicles, two of which dated back to 2014. "We also lacked vehicles in the regional offices, even though APS is intended to cover the entire national territory," he explained.

According to him, these new tools will allow the agency to produce better quality reports and ensure live broadcasts from all regions of Senegal, and even from abroad, he specified.

However, the managing director was keen to reassure everyone about the company's strategic direction, stating that APS does not intend to transform into a traditional television channel. "APS does not plan to stray from its core business, which remains the dispatch and production of reliable, credible, and professional information," he insisted.

 

Momar Diong revealed that 2/3 of these acquisitions were financed through the Press Support and Development Fund, praising the support of the Director of Communication and members of the management committee for supporting the media.

He also announced the upcoming launch of a digital channel which will offer in-depth reports, specialist magazines and public service programs.

 

On behalf of the workers, the president of the section of the Union of Information and Communication Professionals of Senegal (Synpics), Fatou Diop, coordinator of the college of staff representatives, welcomed "a substantial investment" which will contribute to improving working conditions and the performance of the company.

 

She stressed in particular the importance of new vehicles and motorcycles to facilitate the mobility of journalists and regional correspondents, while calling for continued efforts so that each regional office can eventually have a vehicle adapted to its needs.

 

Fatou Diop also encouraged the beneficiaries to be responsible in the use and maintenance of this equipment, while reminding staff of certain social concerns, including the regularization of social security contributions and the payment of arrears owed to social protection organizations.