[3] Awarded annually, the prize aims to serve as a platform for the discovery of new creative talent out of the continent and invariably promote the burgeoning publishing industry in Africa.

[6][7] The 9mobile Prize for Literature celebrates new writers of African citizenship whose first fiction book (more than 30,000 words in length) was published in the previous 24 months.

Shortlisted writers win a Samsung Galaxy Note and also embark on a book tour to two major African cities.

[12][13] The winner was announced on 23 February 2014,[14] and the award ceremony took place on Sunday, 2 March, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

[30] The judges for the 2018 edition of the prize were Professor Harry Garuba (chair), Doreen Baingana and Siphiwo Mahala.