Table of Contents
Key Points
- Nicky Oppenheimer’s net worth surged by $550 million in early 2025, reaching $12.1 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
- The recent increase in his net worth secures his spot as South Africa’s second-richest and Africa’s third-wealthiest, ranking 216th globally.
- His family office acquired full ownership of GZ Industries, Nigeria’s top beverage can maker, in 2023 reinforcing its footprint in Africa’s growing sector.
2024 was a strong year for many African billionaires, with several seeing their fortunes rise significantly. South Africa’s second-richest man, Nicky Oppenheimer, is keeping that momentum going in 2025. In just the first two months of the year, his net worth has grown by $550 million.
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the 79-year-old businessman—who brought an end to his family’s 80-year legacy in the diamond industry by selling their remaining 40 percent stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.2 billion in 2012—has seen his wealth rise from $11.6 billion at the start of 2025 to $12.1 billion at the time of drafting this report.
Oppenheimer climbs to 216th globally
This follows a $1.85-billion gain in 2024, when his fortune climbed from $9.85 billion to $11.6 billion. His latest increase solidifies his position as South Africa’s second-richest person and the third-wealthiest in Africa.
The boost is largely tied to the performance of his private investments, managed through his London-based firm, Stockdale Street, and Johannesburg’s Tana Africa Capital.
These firms have been key to expanding his wealth, particularly by reinvesting the $5.2 billion from the De Beers sale into high-growth sectors. With this steady climb, Oppenheimer now ranks among the world’s wealthiest individuals, currently sitting at 216th globally.
Oppenheimer bets on Africa’s beverage market
His family office, Oppenheimer Generations, which he co-founded with his son Jonathan, has been instrumental in expanding their business footprint beyond Africa.
With headquarters in Johannesburg and a regional office in Singapore, the firm connects investment opportunities across Africa and Asia, tapping into emerging markets in both regions.
An example of this expansion is Jonathan Oppenheimer’s acquisition of GZ Industries (GZI), Nigeria’s largest beverage can manufacturer. In 2023, Oppenheimer Partners took full ownership by buying the remaining 37.5 percent stake from Affirma Capital.
As a supplier to major brands like Coca-Cola Co., GZI strengthens the Oppenheimer portfolio and reinforces the family’s position in Africa’s fast-growing beverage market.
