African video streaming service iRoko has now raised $44m since it was founded in 2010, and media group Canal+ will help it scale its French-language content.

Nigeria-based online video streaming services iRoko raised $19m in equity and content development funding on Monday, securing cash from backers including media group Canal+ and investment firm Kinnevik.

Founded in 2010 as a YouTube channel, iRoko runs an online streaming platform for African-produced film and television content.

The capital will allow the company to finance the production of original content in the same way as US counterparts Netflix and Amazon Prime. It aims to release upwards of 300 hours of…