Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh gains $170 million in 19 days

Feyisayo Ajayi -

Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh has solidified his position as Eswatini’s wealthiest individual and one of Africa’s richest men as his net worth eclipses the $7-billion mark, according to the latest data from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Kirsh‘s fortune experienced a remarkable surge of $170 million in just 19 days, rising from $6.99 billion on Oct. 21 to $7.16 billion on Nov. 9. The average daily gain during this period amounted to $8.95 million.

The primary driver behind this surge is attributed to the performance of his 75-percent stake in Jetro Holdings, a New York-based consumer goods holding company overseeing two prominent wholesale grocery enterprises in the United States — Jetro Cash & Carry and Restaurant Depot.

Natie Kirsh holds the 324th spot among world’s wealthiest billionaires

Presently holding the 324th spot on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Kirsh derives a substantial portion of his wealth from private investments through his conglomerate, Kirsh Group.

His majority position in Jetro Holdings, valued at $4.83 billion, has seen a notable increase from $4.68 billion on Oct. 21, solidifying its pivotal role in his $7.16-billion fortune.

In addition to his involvement in Jetro Holdings, Kirsh holds a significant 54-percent stake in Abacus Property Group, a publicly traded real estate investment trust based in Sydney, currently valued at $310 million.

Natie Kirsh’s stable property portfolio, with a notable exception

Kirsh’s property portfolio includes Tower 42, London’s pioneering office skyscraper valued at $364 million, and the Jandakot Airport in Perth, Australia.

Most of his properties have maintained stable market values throughout the year, except for Tower 42, which has experienced a slight decline of $9 million since the start of the year, decreasing from $373 million to $364 million.

Kirsh’s diversified investment strategy and the remarkable performance of Jetro Holdings underscore his influence in the food supply and real estate sectors, solidifying his status as a key player in the global business landscape.