The sentence, which included a fine of 100,000 CFA francs (about 150 euros) was handed down on Wednesday when Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, dubbed "Ras Bath", was out of the country, his lawyer Ali Toure said.
The defence had boycotted the trial after the court refused a request for a postponement as Bathily was abroad. They intend to appeal the ruling.
When Bathily was first arrested in August 2016, news of his detention led to protests on the streets of the Malian capital Bamako.
One person was killed and dozens injured in the ensuing violence, which also caused widespread damage.
A court acquitted him on some of the charges initially laid against him, but retained the charge of incitement.
Bathily, who as well as being a radio presenter is a major figure in the country's opposition, had discussed the situation in the army during one of his shows.
Like many opposition activists, Bathily opposes plans to revise the constitution.
Critics say it is a way for President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to consolidate his grip on power.
If Bathily returns to Mali, he will not be arrested as the court did not issue a warrant and any decision in that regard will be suspended pending his appeal, his lawyers said.
On Tuesday, another prominent Malian activist survived an apparent assassination attempt.
"Marshall Madou", real name Madou Kante, whose political commentaries on YouTube have made him a cult figure, was shot in the chest while driving in the capital.
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