Nile Entertainment Secures UIP Deal as Exclusive Theatrical Distributor for Universal and Paramount Pictures in West Africa

Nile Entertainment, a subsidiary of Nile Media Entertainment Group, is set to become the sole theatrical distributor for Universal Pictures and Paramount Pictures films across West Africa, following an appointment by United International Pictures. The deal is set to take effect from February 27, 2026 and will see the company take over exclusively for UIP in ‘key markets, including Ghana and Nigeria’. 

According to a Press Release shared via social media by Nile Group CEO, Moses Babatope, the appointment ‘strengthens UIP’s regional presence and supports ongoing investment in the continent’s evolving cinema landscape’. The statement further acknowledged UIP’s expansive 2026 slate, which is ‘expected to further energise admissions and accelerate box-office growth across Africa’. Babatope expressed his joy concerning the deal, saying “Our commitment is simple: to serve audiences, support our exhibitor programs, and help grow the region’s theatrical market sustainably and collaboratively”. 

Cameron Hogg, UIP’s Managing Director (South Africa) expressed optimism concerning the appointment, emphasising West Africa’s place as "one of the most dynamic theatrical markets in the world” and pointing to the partnership as “an exciting new chapter”.

The statement also acknowledged Silverbird Film Distribution for supporting United International Pictures’ titles across the region for over eight years. 

With this deal, Nile Entertainment, which had previously managed the releases of films like Red Circle, Everybody Loves Jenifa, Wives on Strike: The Uprising, The Serpent’s Gift, Makemation, Radio Voice, and most recently, Alive Till Dawn, will exclusively distribute Universal blockbusters like: The Odyssey, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Michael, Disclosure Day, and Minions and Monsters, alongside Paramount’s Scream 7, Street Fighter, Scary Movie 6, and The Angry Birds Movie 3. This effectively makes the distribution company one of the most important players within West African Cinema. It's the latest in a number of big industry moves aimed at growing local infrastructure, like the Next Narrative African Fund. 

Nile Group was founded in August 2024 by Babatope, who was formerly Managing Director of FilmOne. Other subsidiaries within the company include Nile Cinemas, Nile Motion Picture, Nile Studio Lab, and Nile Foundation. Per their mission statement, Nile Group “aims to introduce disruptive and sustainable concepts that will not only elevate the cinematic experience but also transform the fortunes of the deeply independent industry.”