Etisalat prize: Call for entries ends August 31

The call for entries for the Etisalat Prize for Literature, which commenced in June, will end on August 31 with the winner carting away £15,000 and a high end device. Asides that, Etisalat will sponsor a book tour to three African cities and the winning writer will also embark on the Etisalat Fellowship at the […]

The call for entries for the Etisalat Prize for Literature, which commenced in June, will end on August 31 with the winner carting away £15,000 and a high end device.
Asides that, Etisalat will sponsor a book tour to three African cities and the winning writer will also embark on the Etisalat Fellowship at the University of East Anglia mentored by Professor Giles Foden (author of The Last King of Scotland) which will include significant opportunities to meet other writers, publishers and most importantly work on their second book.
In order to promote the publishing industry, the company will purchase 1,000 copies of all shortlisted books which will be donated to various schools, book clubs and libraries across the African continent.
Award-winning novelist Helon Habila, who is chair of judges for the 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature said, “In African literature we need not just cash prizes but development of the writer as well. We need exposure and mentorship. Our young writers need to be placed on a path towards a long and steady career as writers and I think the Etisalat Prize is doing that.
“Nigerians have been on the shortlist consistently, so it is only a matter of time before they get the main prize.”
The prize for literature by the communications organisation, Etisalat focuses on new African writers.