Table of Contents
Key Points
- Nicky Oppenheimer's net worth grew by $225 million in 2025, solidifying his place among Africa’s wealthiest figures with a total fortune of $11.8 billion.
- At 79, Oppenheimer remains South Africa’s second-richest, with his wealth rising from $11.6 billion to $11.8 billion as of January 2025.
- His diversified investments through Stockdale Street and Tana Africa Capital drive global expansion and sustained wealth growth since the De Beers sale.
Building on a remarkable year in 2024, which saw his fortune grow by $1.85 billion, South African billionaire Nicky Oppenheimer has added another $225 million to his net worth in the first three weeks of 2025. This solidifies his position among Africa’s richest individuals, highlighting his enduring influence on the continent’s economic landscape.
At 79, Oppenheimer remains South Africa’s second-richest individual, following Johann Rupert, whose wealth has grown by over $1.6 billion so far this year. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Oppenheimer’s fortune has risen from $11.6 billion at the start of the year to $11.8 billion as of Jan. 22, showcasing consistent financial gains.
Oppenheimer’s journey in De Beers
Nicky Oppenheimer’s path to extraordinary wealth traces back to his early immersion in the family business. After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in politics, philosophy, and economics, he joined Anglo American at the age of 23 as a personal assistant to his father. Years of dedication culminated in his appointment as chairman of De Beers in 1998.
Under his leadership, Oppenheimer steered De Beers through a pivotal transformation. When the company’s diamond market dominance diminished in 2000, he reshaped its business strategy to thrive in a more competitive landscape. A notable achievement during his tenure was the establishment of the Kimberley Process certification in 2003, an initiative designed to eliminate conflict diamonds from the global market.
In 2012, the Oppenheimer family concluded their 80-year legacy in the diamond industry by selling their remaining 40 percent stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.2 billion. This decision marked the close of a remarkable chapter in the family’s history while cementing Oppenheimer’s legacy as a key figure in the diamond trade.
Building wealth, expanding across borders
The increase in his wealth since the De Beers sale is attributed to a diversified portfolio of private investments managed through his London-based firm, Stockdale Street, and Johannesburg’s Tana Africa Capital. These firms have strategically positioned the Oppenheimer family across a range of industries, extending their reach both within Africa and globally.
His son, Jonathan Oppenheimer, has taken a prominent role in overseeing the family’s business interests through Oppenheimer Generations, a family office with operations in Johannesburg and Singapore. Under Jonathan’s leadership, the family’s influence has continued to expand.
In 2023, Jonathan spearheaded the acquisition of GZ Industries, Nigeria’s largest beverage can manufacturer, from Affirma Capital. This move underscores the family’s commitment to fostering economic opportunities across Africa and strengthening ties with global markets.
