Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh adds $160 million to his fortune in just 19 days

Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh renowned for his vast wealth and business ventures in the food supply industry has further solidified his position as Eswatini’s wealthiest individual and one of Africa’s richest men as his net worth surged by $160 million over the past 19 days.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index — which tracks the fortunes of the world’s 500 wealthiest billionaires — Kirsh’s net worth has surged by $160 million over the past 19 days, reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals. His net worth, which stood at $7.58 billion on Jan. 18, has now reached $7.74 billion.

The primary driver behind this surge — which translates to an average daily gain of $8.42 million — is attributed to the impressive 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.

With a $7.74-billion fortune, Kirsh holds the 309th spot among the world’s richest individuals

Currently holding the 309th spot on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Kirsh derives a significant portion of his wealth from private investments. His closely held conglomerate Kirsh Group, which holds a majority position in Jetro Holdings — a prominent food supply company — is presently valued at $205 million.

Going by Bloomberg’s figures, Kirsh’s 75-percent stake in Jetro Holdings — a New York-based consumer goods holding company overseeing two wholesale grocery enterprises in the United States, namely Jetro Cash & Carry and Restaurant Depot — is presently worth $5.26 billion, accounting for more than 66 percent of his entire $7.74-billion wealth.

Kirsh’s real estate empire: Towering investments in London and Sydney

In addition to his investment in Jetro Holdings, the Swazi billionaire owns a 54-percent stake in Abacus Property Group, a publicly traded real estate investment trust based in Sydney presently valued at $320 million.

Kirsh’s property portfolio includes Tower 42, London’s pioneering office skyscraper that has maintained a valuation of $364 million in 2024, and the Jandakot Airport in Perth, Australia.

While the market value of most of his properties has been stable in the year 2024, his 54-percent stake in Abacus Property Group has experienced a slight decline of $10 million in the past 19 days — decreasing from $330 million to $320 million.