The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize aims to benefit artists living in Africa or of the African diaspora by increasing their international exposure, whilst raising funds for arts education programmes on the continent.​ Leading contemporary artists, nominated by a board of independent art professionals, are invited to enter artworks online. A judging panel comprised of global art specialists shortlist the 30 most accomplished artworks from the range of digital entries.​
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The shortlisted works are then exhibited at Norval Foundation in Cape Town, where they are judged for a second time and voted on by the public. The judges' scores are aggregated and a Grand Prize winner named, receiving US$35,000 in cash and a solo exhibition at Norval Foundation in future. The Public Vote winner is awarded US$2,000.​ Furthermore, we are delighted to announce, new to this year, the FAMM Women's Prize awarded to the highest rated female artist (excluding the Grand Prize Winner). This woman will receive $5,000 in cash, generously donated by the sponsors of this special prize, Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins (FAMM).

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The other shortlisted artworks are auctioned through a charity auction. Proceeds split evenly between the artists and Norval Foundation’s Learning Centre. ​