Namibian tycoon Koos Brandt made $20 million in 2023 from Capricorn shares

Namibian multimillionaire businessman Jacobus Brandt (Koos Brandt) witnessed an increase of nearly $20 million in the market value of his stake in Windhoek-based investment holding Capricorn Group Limited in the year 2023.

Brandt — a leading Namibian mogul — saw the market value of his stake in Capricorn Group Limited surge by NAD 373.66 million ($19.99 million) in 2023, strengthening his position as one of Namibia’s most affluent investors and businessmen.

Capricorn’s over 30 percent stock surge in 2023 generates substantial gains for shareholders

Capricorn Group is a financial services conglomerate with operations in Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, including banking, micro-lending, property development, unit trusts, and asset management. The group’s flagship brand, Bank Windhoek, is Namibia’s largest locally-owned bank and the country’s second-largest commercial bank.

In 2023, Capricorn shares on the Namibian Stock Exchange surged by 30.08 percent, surging from NAD13.03 ($0.697) on Jan. 1 to NAD16.95 ($0.907) on Dec. 31 — thus leading to significant gains for the group’s shareholders, including the Namibian businessman.

Brandt’s Capricorn stake crosses $85 million

Brandt, who stepped down as chairman of Capricorn in 2017, owns an 18.5-percent stake, equivalent to 95,322,252 ordinary shares of the Windhoek-based investment firm — the majority of his wealth is derived from his stake in the leading financial services provider.

According to the data tracked by Billionaires.Africa, Brandt’s stake in Capricorn Group increased by NAD373.66 million ($19.99 million) in 2023, boosting his holdings from NAD1.24 billion ($66.46 million) on Jan. 1, 2023, to NAD1.62 billion ($86.46 million) on Dec. 31, 2023.

The surge in the market value of Brandt’s stake firmly solidifies his position as one of Namibia’s most affluent investors — propelling his shares in the leading conglomerate beyond the $85-million mark.