United International Pictures (UIP), a British collaboration between Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures, has announced the appointment of Nile Entertainment as its exclusive theatrical distribution partner for both studios in Anglophone West Africa. This strategic partnership, which includes key markets such as Nigeria and Ghana, will officially begin on February 27, 2026.
Under this new arrangement, Nile Entertainment will manage the theatrical releases of various Paramount and Universal titles, including anticipated films such as Scary Movie 6 and Street Fighter. The partnership aims to bolster UIP’s presence in the region and foster ongoing investment in West Africa’s cinema landscape.
This collaboration marks a significant change in the distribution of popular Hollywood titles in Anglo-West Africa. While studio releases from Paramount and Universal play a crucial role in the global box office, revenue from their titles declined in 2025. Paramount’s market share in the region declined from 13% in 2024 to 8.72% in 2025. Conversely, Universal’s market share decreased slightly from 10% in 2024 to 9.86% in 2025, despite an increase in revenue, as reported by FilmOne’s yearbook.
By securing a slate of UIP titles, Nile Entertainment aims to enhance its role within the regional film distribution network. Distribution serves as a crucial link in the theatrical business, connecting studios with exhibitors and shaping how films reach audiences. This transition is anticipated to shift competitive dynamics among distributors in Nigeria and Ghana.
UIP and Nile also recognised the contributions of Silverbird Film Distribution, which managed UIP titles in the area for over eight years. UIP acknowledged Silverbird’s pivotal role in developing the modern theatrical market in West Africa.
The Anglo-West African cinema sector experienced remarkable growth in 2025, achieving a record box office revenue of US$11 million, driven by 2.79 million admissions across 122 cinemas. Nollywood narrowly surpassed Hollywood in terms of market share during this period.
Moses Babatope, Group CEO of The Nile Group, stated, “UIP represents two of cinema’s most esteemed studios globally, and we are honoured to be entrusted with their titles in West Africa. We are dedicated to serving our audiences, supporting our exhibitor partners, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the region’s theatrical market. We look forward to showcasing a range of Paramount and Universal films in West African cinemas in the coming year.”
Cameron Hogg, Managing Director of UIP South Africa, added, “West Africa remains a burgeoning theatrical market. With an expanding audience base, evolving cinema infrastructure, and exhibitors investing in premium experiences, the region is poised for a new era. We are excited to collaborate closely with Nile to bring a diverse lineup of Paramount and Universal releases to audiences across Nigeria, Ghana, and the larger Anglophone West Africa area.”
