The 2016 edition of the Etisalat Prize for Literature has been announced open for entries. According to the telecommunication company Etisalat only books by debut writers published not later than twenty-four months will qualify for entry.
CEO of Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, said in Lagos that the prize is designed to serve as a leading platform for the discovery and encouraging of creative writing talents as well as the celebration of literary arts by African writers.
“We are delighted to champion the cause for celebrating the richness and strength of African literature,” he said. He added that the Etisalat Prize is about creativity, excellence, empowerment and reward, also, about celebrating African diversity in very innovative ways through various forms of art and literature.
Willsher said that entries “must also be by registered publishing houses not less than six years as incorporated publishers with registered ISBN number or the equivalent, and who must have published a minimum of six authors. All entries should be accompanied by seven copies of the book entered along with an acceptance of our publicity terms. A publisher may submit a maximum of three books.”
The judging panel for the 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature includes; Nigerian poet and novelist Helon Habila who serves as Chair of the panel, South African writer and activist Elinor Aisulu, Ivorian writer Eddwige Rene Dro.
More details about the 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature can be found here