Engaged in 18 countries in Africa, our goal is to support these countries with their development, including in the area of culture. For several years we have been running projects intended to improve access to culture and knowledge for all, including through many cultural MOOCs with major French institutions. Indeed, since 2009 in France, the "Prix Orange du Livre" has rewarded a literary work written in French and published during the January publishing season. This award will be celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2019.
Recognition of literary talent in Africa
As part of our undertakings in Africa and our commitment to the continent, we have decided to launch the "Prix Orange du Livre" in French-speaking Africa. The Award reflects our desire to work to promote literary talent in Africa and encourage the local publishing industry.
In 2019, the Award will go to a work of fiction written in French by an African author and published by a publishing house based on the African continent. To qualify, the books must be published between 1 January 2017 and 30 October 2018.
The publishing houses wishing to enter have until 30 November 2018 to send in a maximum of two works.
A short list of six books will be drawn up by reading committees based in several countries and will be made available at end February 2019. A jury consisting of writers, literary critics and other well-known personalities from the world of literature will decide the winner.
The Award ceremony will take place in an African capital between May and July 2019. In addition to a cash prize of €10,000, the winner will also benefit from a marketing campaign to promote his or her work.