South Africa's Second-richest Man, Nicky Oppenheimer, Is 1 Billion Richer So Far In 2025

Oppenheimer's fortune grows 1.03 billion in 2025, raising his net worth to 12.6 billion and ranking him third-richest in Africa.

Since exiting De Beers in 2012, the Oppenheimers have invested in manufacturing, consumer goods, and finance through private firms.

The family supports biodiversity and local jobs through large-scale conservation efforts in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

South African billionaire Nicky Oppenheimer, the countrys second-richest person, has added more than 1 billion to his fortune so far this year, pushing his net worth to 12.6 billion. This solidifies his standing as the third-richest individual on the African continent, behind Nigerias Aliko Dangote and fellow South African Johann Rupert.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index , which tracks the worlds 500 wealthiest people, Oppenheimers fortune has grown by 1.03 billion since Jan. 1, rising from 11.5 billion at the start of the year. This follows a strong 2024, when his wealth increased by 1.85 billion , climbing from 9.85 billion to 11.7 billion before dipping to 11.5 billion on New Years Day.

The boost in his net worth is tied to the performance of his familys broad portfolio. Although the Oppenheimers are best known for their long history in the diamond businessparticularly their former stake in De Beerstheir wealth is now largely managed through private investment firms such as Stockdale Street in London and Tana Africa Capital in Johannesburg. These firms have steered the family into a mix of industries, helping to steadily grow their fortune.

After stepping away from the diamond business in 2012, Nicky Oppenheimer has helped steer his family in a new direction. That year, he sold their remaining 40 percent stake in De Beers to Anglo American for 5.2 billion, closing the chapter on an 80-year legacy in mining.

Since then, alongside his son Jonathan, he has been focused on building something broaderthrough Oppenheimer Generations, a family office with operations in Johannesburg and Singapore that seeks out opportunities across Africa and Asia.