Table of Contents
Key Points
- Johann Rupert's net worth surged by $2.67 billion in January, surpassing $16 billion and cementing his position among the world’s wealthiest individuals.
- Rupert's wealth growth is tied to Richemont, whose stock rose nearly 32% in January, pushing his stake value from $9.3 billion to $11.9 billion.
- Richemont posted record sales of $16.7 billion for fiscal year 2025, with strong growth in the Americas, Middle East & Africa, and Japan.
South Africa’s richest man, Johann Rupert, started the new year 2025 with a remarkable boost in his net worth, adding $2.67 billion to his fortune in January. His net worth surged past the $16 billion mark, cementing his place among the world’s wealthiest individuals.
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Rupert—chairman of Swiss luxury group Richemont—saw his wealth grow from $13.7 billion on Jan. 1 to $16.7 billion by the end of the month. This moved him up the rankings, placing him 138th among the world’s richest people.
The $2.67 billion increase in January alone far exceeds the $1.3 billion he added throughout 2024, when his net worth rose from $12.4 billion to $13.7 billion by year-end.
Richemont’s rally sends Johann Rupert’s stake higher
Rupert’s growing fortune is largely tied to Richemont, the luxury powerhouse behind Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Chloé. He holds a 10.18 percent equity stake and controls 51 percent of the company’s voting rights through a mix of “A” and “B” shares.
Since the beginning of 2025, Richemont’s stock on the SIX Swiss Exchange has jumped nearly 32 percent, pushing the company’s market value past $100 billion. Rupert’s stake alone has climbed from $9.3 billion to $11.9 billion as investors continue to buy into the luxury giant.
Richemont shares rise on record sales
The sharp rise in Richemont’s share price reflects growing investor confidence, driven by strong financial results. The group reported record-breaking sales of $16.7 billion for the first nine months of its fiscal year 2025, a 3 percent increase from the same period in 2024. Revenue for the latest quarter hit $6.33 billion, despite currency fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainty.
Regional performance varied. Sales in the Asia Pacific region fell 15 percent due to weaker consumer confidence in China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Japan, however, posted a 25 percent jump, fueled by strong domestic demand and a rebound in tourism.
The Americas and the Middle East & Africa each recorded 15 percent growth, while Europe saw a steady 9 percent increase, helped by resilient local spending.
Bloomberg, Forbes differ on Africa’s richest
Johann Rupert remains Africa’s second-richest person, according to Bloomberg, trailing Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, whose net worth is estimated at $27.4 billion.
However, Forbes ranks Rupert as the continent’s richest individual, as its calculations do not include Dangote’s 92.3 percent stake in the Dangote Oil Refinery, a major player in Africa’s energy sector. While Bloomberg factors in the refinery’s valuation, Forbes does not, leading to the discrepancy in their rankings.
