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Natie Kirsh, the prominent Swazi billionaire, has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in his wealth over the past 26 days, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals.
According to the latest data from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which monitors the fortunes of the world’s top 500 billionaires, Kirsh’s net worth has skyrocketed by an impressive $260 million, climbing from $7.28 billion on June 7 to $7.54 billion at present.
This substantial surge in Kirsh’s fortune marks a significant turnaround following a slump of $170 million earlier this year, from $7.45 billion to $7.28 billion between Jan. 1 and June 7.
With his latest financial boost, Kirsh’s year-to-date gains now amount to an impressive $89.7 million, distinguishing him as one of the few African billionaires who have experienced considerable wealth growth since the beginning of the year.
Johann Rupert and Nicky Oppenheimer, two other notable individuals, have also recorded substantial gains in their fortunes during this period.
Currently ranked as the 305th richest person in the world, Kirsh derives a significant portion of his private investments from the Kirsh Group, a closely held conglomerate that holds a majority position in Jetro Holdings, a prominent food supply company.
Kirsh owns an impressive 75-percent equity stake in Jetro Holdings, which operates two wholesale grocery businesses in the United States: Jetro Cash & Carry and Restaurant Depot.
In addition to his investment in Jetro Holdings, the Swazi billionaire holds a 54-percent stake in Abacus Property Group, a publicly-traded real estate investment trust based in Sydney. Kirsh’s property portfolio includes Tower 42, London’s pioneering office skyscraper, and the Jandakot Airport in Perth, Australia.
While the market value of most of his properties has remained stable throughout the year, Tower 42, an iconic London landmark, has experienced a slight decline of $10 million since the beginning of the year, decreasing from $373 million to $364 million.
Kirsh’s resurgence in wealth solidifies his position as a prominent figure among Africa’s billionaire elite. With his diverse range of investments and ongoing success, Kirsh continues to make an indelible mark on the business landscape in Swaziland and abroad.
