African storytelling is entering a new era of global recognition, and a new generation of investors is shaping its trajectory. Among them, Kazim Adeoti stands out. He is not simply a movie marketer or the husband of a prominent actress. He is a visionary investor who views the film industry as more than entertainment. To him it is infrastructure, culture and commerce rolled into one. Through his leadership at Adekaz Productions and Distribution and as co-founder of IbakaTV in 2015, Adeoti is redefining how African stories are created, distributed and consumed.
A Profile of Determination and Enterprise
Adeoti was born in Nigeria and embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Nollywood’s new era. He moved to the United States in the early 2000s in pursuit of education and business opportunities. While abroad, he gained exposure to global film markets, digital trends and the cultural power of cinema. That experience informed his return to Nigeria, where he combined international knowledge with a deep love for local storytelling.
A graduate of the University of Jos with a background in real estate, mortgage and finance, Adeoti brings structured investment thinking to entertainment. He sees film not only as art but as an economic engine and a tool of cultural diplomacy.
Eighteen years ago he founded Adekaz Productions and Distribution, which has produced and distributed more than 300 Nollywood movies. At a time when distribution was fragmented, Adekaz became a bridge between filmmakers and audiences, creating consistent market access and helping many producers monetize their work.
His vision expanded further with the launch of IbakaTV, one of the first video-on-demand platforms dedicated to African film. IbakaTV has grown into a platform with millions of viewers across Africa, North America, Europe and Asia, positioning Nollywood firmly on the global digital stage. His portfolio also includes Netflix releases such as Ada Omo Daddy and Thin Line, which strengthened his international footprint.
Shaping the Future of African Cinema
Adeoti views film as an economic driver with potential to rival oil and tech in its impact. He believes Nollywood’s next chapter will depend on merging reliable distribution networks with world-class production infrastructure. His latest projects include plans for film villages, soundstages, training centers and creative hubs that can host both local and international productions.
The proposed film village is envisioned as more than a production site. It is a tourism destination modeled after major international studios, designed to attract investors, filmmakers and global audiences. For Adeoti, this is how Nollywood will evolve into an industrialized sector with systems that can meet international demand.
A Global Vision with Local Roots
Adeoti’s edge lies in his ability to balance global perspectives with local realities. His years in the United States exposed him to Hollywood’s industrial scale, but his heart remains firmly in Nigerian storytelling. He has leveraged his networks at home and abroad to attract financing, secure distribution partnerships and advocate for Nollywood’s recognition on international platforms.
He is also committed to philanthropy and mentorship. Through Adekaz Productions he has invested in young filmmakers, created training opportunities and promoted skills transfer within the industry. He believes that the true sustainability of Nollywood rests on the talent pipeline as much as on infrastructure.
Redefining African Storytelling
Kazim Adeoti is more than a filmmaker. He is an investor in the future of African storytelling. His journey from a Nigerian student in the United States to a pioneering media entrepreneur demonstrates the power of vision, resilience and cultural pride. By linking digital distribution with physical infrastructure and global partnerships, he is crafting a narrative of Nollywood that is richer, more ambitious and increasingly competitive on the world stage.
Whether Nollywood reaches the scale of Hollywood or Bollywood is yet to be seen. What is clear is that Adeoti has shifted the industry’s conversation from short-term production to long-term industrialization. That shift could define the next era of African cinema, with Adeoti at its center as both a cultural investor and an architect of its future.