Entrepreneurial Opportunities Created by the Export of Nollywood Films to Diaspora Markets

This research explores the entrepreneurial opportunities generated by the export of Nollywood films and digital content to Nigerian diaspora markets in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Nollywood has grown into the world's second largest film industry by volume, and its internationalisation represents a significant dimension of Nigeria's cultural and creative economy. The diaspora market constitutes a particularly lucrative and loyal consumer base for Nigerian film content. The study adopts a qualitative research design, employing in-depth interviews with 30 Nollywood producers, distribution executives, and digital platform managers with direct experience in diaspora content distribution. Thematic analysis is used to identify entrepreneurial patterns, revenue models, and market expansion strategies. The theoretical framework draws on the knowledge-based theory of entrepreneurship and diaspora entrepreneurship theory. The research examines digital streaming platforms, DVD distribution networks, cinema screening events, and cultural festival channels as key distribution vehicles for diaspora markets. It also investigates intellectual property protection challenges and piracy as constraints on revenue maximisation. Findings are expected to reveal that digital streaming partnerships with platforms such as Netflix Africa and iROKOtv have significantly expanded diaspora market reach, while simultaneously creating new entrepreneurial ecosystems around content localisation and marketing. Recommendations for aspiring Nollywood entrepreneurs and government cultural export agencies are provided. The study contributes to the literature on creative industries, cultural exports, and diaspora entrepreneurship within the Nigerian context. Keywords: Nollywood, diaspora, film export, entrepreneurship, creative economy