South African billionaire Nicky Oppenheimer’s net worth surges $2.1 billion

Key Points

• Oppenheimer’s net worth surged $2.1 billion to $12.2 billion, cementing his place as Africa’s third-richest and 234th globally.
• His wealth rebounded from $10.1 billion on April 9 to $12.2 billion in just over two months, lifting YTD gains to $625 million.
• Through Oppenheimer Generations, he links Africa-Asia opportunities and champions conservation at Tswalu Kalahari and Shangani Ranch.

After his net worth dipped close to $10 billion, a level he had hovered around since February 2024, South Africa’s second-richest billionaire, Nicky Oppenheimer, has seen his fortune climb sharply. His wealth rose by $2.1 billion, reaching $12.2 billion at the time of writing, reinforcing his place among Africa’s wealthiest individuals.

Oppenheimer net worth recovers to $12.2 billion

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the world’s 500 richest people, shows that Oppenheimer’s net worth grew from $10.1 billion on April 9 to $12.2 billion within just over two months. This rebound has pushed his year-to-date gains back into positive territory, now standing at $625 million.

This recovery follows a sharp fall earlier this year. Oppenheimer’s wealth dropped from $12.1 billion to $10.1 billion after President Trump announced new tariffs, including a 34 percent reciprocal levy on Chinese goods. But when Trump later announced a three-month pause on these tariffs, Oppenheimer’s fortune quickly bounced back.

Beyond diamonds, building empires

At 79 years old, Oppenheimer remains one of Africa’s richest figures. More than ten years after ending his family’s 80-year run in the diamond business by selling their 40 percent stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.2 billion, he still holds a strong position in the continent’s business world. Today, he ranks as the 234th richest person globally and the third-richest in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $12.2 billion.

Much of this comes from his private investments, which are managed through Stockdale Street in London and Tana Africa Capital in Johannesburg. These firms have helped the Oppenheimer family stay influential across a range of industries in Africa and beyond.

Together with his son Jonathan, Nicky co-founded the family office Oppenheimer Generations, which operates from Johannesburg and Singapore. The firm aims to connect opportunities between Africa and Asia, focusing on high-growth markets.

One notable investment is GZ Industries (GZI), Nigeria’s largest beverage can producer. In 2023, Jonathan’s firm, Oppenheimer Partners, took full control by buying the remaining 37.5 percent stake from Affirma Capital. GZI supplies major brands like Coca-Cola, strengthening the family’s foothold in Africa’s growing consumer goods sector.

Oppenheimer leads major conservation initiatives

But Nicky Oppenheimer’s impact goes beyond business. He is also deeply involved in conservation efforts. Alongside Jonathan, he co-owns Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa’s largest private game reserve. The reserve is a sanctuary for endangered species and plays a critical role in protecting the region’s natural heritage.

He also owns Shangani Ranch in Zimbabwe, a vast 65,000-hectare estate that serves as a key wildlife migration corridor. This ranch supports conservation and sustains around 400 local jobs, while contributing to the economy through beef exports to the UK.