United International Pictures Appoints Nile Entertainment as Theatrical Distribution Partner for Anglophone West Africa

United International Pictures (UIP) has appointed Nile Entertainment as its official theatrical distribution partner for the Anglophone West Africa region, including key markets such as Nigeria and Ghana.
The appointment strengthens UIP’s regional presence and supports ongoing investment in the continent’s evolving cinema landscape.

Effective 27 February 2026, Nile Entertainment will oversee the theatrical release of titles from Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures across the region.

UIP and Nile also acknowledge the contribution of Silverbird Film Distribution, which has supported UIP titles across the region for more than eight years and played a meaningful role in shaping the modern theatrical ecosystem in West Africa.

West Africa continues to stand out as one of the world’s most dynamic and quickly expanding theatrical markets. Exhibitors across Nigeria and Ghana are investing in modern infrastructure, premium large formats, and audience-centric experiences — signaling a period of renewed momentum for cinema in the region.

The UIP 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. This diverse slate is expected to further energise admissions and accelerate box-office growth across West Africa.

Group CEO, The Nile Group, Moses Babatope, said: “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.”

Managing Director, UIP South Africa, Cameron Hogg, said: “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.”

UIP is the international theatrical distribution joint venture between Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures. Through its global network of offices and strategic partners, UIP manages the release of the studios’ films in multiple territories outside the United States.

Nile Entertainment is the theatrical distribution arm of The Nile Group, operating across Anglophone West Africa. The company partners with global and local studios as well as exhibitors to deliver disciplined, data–driven releases supported by locally intelligent marketing strategies.