Table of Contents
Key Points
- Nicky Oppenheimer’s net worth has surged by $225 million in 17 days, bringing his total fortune to $12 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.
- His wealth gain this year now stands at $450 million, driven by private investments through Stockdale Street and Tana Africa Capital across diverse industries.
- Beyond business, Oppenheimer co-owns Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, supporting wildlife conservation and regional biodiversity.
After a strong performance in 2024 and steady wealth gains in the early months of 2025, Nicky Oppenheimer, South Africa’s second-richest person, has seen his fortune grow significantly. Over the past 17 days, his net worth has risen by $225 million, reaching $12 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The 79-year-old businessman, best known for his influence in the diamond industry and the 2012 sale of his family's 40-percent stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.2 billion, has continued to see his wealth climb. His net worth stood at $11.8 billion just 17 days ago and has now reached $12 billion at the time of drafting this report.
Oppenheimer’s wealth jumps $450 million in 2025
This follows the $225 million gain he recorded in the first three weeks of 2025, when his net worth rose from $11.6 billion at the start of the year to $11.8 billion by Jan. 22. With this latest increase, his total wealth gain for the year now stands at $450 million.
At the time of writing, Oppenheimer ranks 222nd among the world’s richest individuals, holding firm as Africa’s third-richest person and South Africa’s second, behind Johann Rupert, whose fortune has grown by more than $2.58 billion this year.
The $450-million wealth boost so far in 2025 is driven by a diverse mix 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, strengthening their influence both in Africa and beyond.
Oppenheimer’s conservation efforts in Africa
Beyond business, Oppenheimer is deeply committed to wilderness conservation. Alongside his son, Jonathan, he co-owns Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, which provides a safe haven for wildlife and plays a key role in preserving the region’s biodiversity.
The leading South African billionaire is also the owner of the 65,000-hectare Shangani Ranch, a crucial migration route for animals that contributes significantly to the local economy by employing 400 individuals and facilitating beef exports to the United Kingdom.
