United International Pictures (UIP) has appointed Nile Entertainment as its theatrical distribution partner for Anglophone West Africa, covering key markets including Nigeria and Ghana. Effective 27 February 2026, Nile Entertainment will oversee the theatrical release of titles from Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures across the region, a move that strengthens UIP’s footprint and signals continued investment in West Africa’s evolving cinema landscape.
The transition also marks the end of an eight-year run with Silverbird Film Distribution, which supported UIP titles across the region and played a meaningful role in shaping the modern theatrical ecosystem in West Africa. Both UIP and Nile acknowledged Silverbird’s contribution to the territory’s distribution growth over the past decade.
West Africa continues to stand out as one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding theatrical markets. Exhibitors across Nigeria and Ghana are investing in modern infrastructure, premium large formats, and more audience-centric experiences, signalling renewed momentum for cinema in the region. UIP’s slate for 2026 and beyond features a strong pipeline of global releases from Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures, spanning action, comedy, animation, family, thriller, and franchise event cinema. The diverse lineup is expected to further energise admissions and accelerate box-office growth across Anglophone West Africa.
Moses Babatope, Group CEO of The Nile Group, described the appointment as both humbling and significant. “This appointment is deeply humbling for all of us at Nile. UIP represents two of the most iconic studios in global cinema, and being entrusted with their titles in West Africa is a privilege we take seriously. Our commitment is simple: to serve audiences, support our exhibitor partners, and help grow the region’s theatrical market sustainably and collaboratively. We look forward to bringing an exciting slate of Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures releases to cinemas across West Africa in the year ahead.”
Cameron Hogg, Managing Director of United International Pictures South Africa, echoed that optimism. “West Africa continues to grow as one of the most dynamic theatrical markets in the world. With audiences expanding, cinema infrastructure evolving, and exhibitors investing in premium experiences, the region is entering an exciting new chapter. We look forward to working closely with Nile as we bring a strong lineup of Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures releases to audiences across Nigeria, Ghana and the wider Anglophone West African market.”
The partnership underscores West Africa’s growing strategic importance within the global theatrical ecosystem. As studios refine distribution strategies around high-growth territories, the alliance between UIP and Nile Entertainment signals confidence in the region’s box-office potential and long-term sustainability. With an ambitious slate from Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures on the horizon, the collaboration positions Anglophone West Africa not as a peripheral outpost but as an increasingly central player in the future of global theatrical distribution.
