Jason Njoku: The inspiring life story of iROKOtv founder

Jason Chukwuma Njoku is a British-Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and media executive best known as the co-founder and CEO of iROKOtv, the leading video-on-demand platform for Nollywood films.

Widely regarded as a trailblazer in Africa’s digital entertainment industry, Njoku has been instrumental in shaping how African movies are distributed and consumed globally.

Profile summary

Name: Jason Chukwuma Njoku

Born: December 11, 1980

Place of birth: Deptford, Southeast London

Nationality: Nigerian

Education: University of Manchester

Religion: Christianity

Spouse: Mary Remy Njoku

Career: Entrepreneur

Background

Born  on December 11, 1980 in Deptford, Southeast London, Jason was raised by his mother, who worked in the UK’s National Health Service while caring for him and his four siblings.

At age 12, he moved to a village in Nigeria, where he lived for three years before returning to the UK to complete his A-Levels.

He later attended the University of Manchester, graduating in 2005 with a degree in Chemistry.

During his time as a student, he launched Brash Magazine, a publication that ran for three years before folding in 2008.

Career and birth of iROKOtv

After a string of failed businesses including a blog network, a T-shirt line, and a web design company, Njoku moved back home with his mother.

At 30, he hit upon the idea of creating a Nollywood-focused streaming platform, inspired by the rise of Hulu and Netflix in the West.

With financial backing from his university friend Bastian Gotter, he traveled to Lagos and began purchasing digital licenses for Nollywood films.

This venture gave birth to NollywoodLove, a YouTube channel launched in 2010, which quickly became profitable and attracted the attention of global investors.

That same year, Tiger Global Management invested $3 million, enabling the launch of iROKOtv on December 1, 2011.

The platform rapidly grew, attracting viewers from over 170 countries and raising over $40 million in venture funding from investors including Kinnevik and RISE Capital.

With a catalogue of more than 5,000 films, iROKOtv cemented its place as the “Netflix of Africa.”

By 2015, Njoku pivoted the company’s focus to an Android mobile app, a strategic move to overcome Africa’s broadband limitations and reach a wider audience.

Spark Investment Initiative

In 2013, Njoku, alongside Gotter and his wife Mary Remmy Njoku, launched Spark, a $2 million Lagos-based investment vehicle for tech start-ups.

Spark initially backed 11 companies, including Hotels.ng, Drinks.ng, and ToLet.com.ng, some of which grew into industry leaders.

Although several ventures under Spark were later shut down, the initiative played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s start-up ecosystem and demonstrated Njoku’s commitment to mentoring young entrepreneurs.

Recognitions

Njoku’s achievements have earned him several prestigious accolades:

• Named among Forbes Africa’s Ten Young African Millionaires to Watch (2012)
• Winner of CNBC All Africa Business Awards Young Leader of the Year, West Africa (2013)
• Listed in Fast Company’s 1000 Most Creative People in Business.

Personal life

Jason married Nollywood actress and producer Mary Remmy Njoku in Festac Town, Lagos, on August 18, 2012.

Together, they have three children: Jason Obinna, Nwakaego Annabel, and Nnenna Amber.

Jason Njoku together with wife and children

Beyond business, Njoku is an advocate for African innovation and a mentor to many start-ups.

His journey from repeated failures to becoming one of Africa’s most influential tech entrepreneurs remains a source of inspiration to young innovators across the continent.

Net worth

With an estimated net worth ranging between $40 million and $60 million, accumulated from his stake in iROKOtv, strategic investments through Spark, and other ventures across Africa’s tech and entertainment industries, Jason Njoku has firmly established himself as one of the most influential and promising entrepreneurs on the global stage.