South Africa’s second-richest man Nicky Oppenheimer gains $300 million in February

In February, South African billionaire Nicky Oppenheimer’s fortune surpassed $10 billion, marking a multimillion-dollar increase and cementing his position as the second-richest individual in South Africa and the third-wealthiest on the African continent.

Oppenheimer’s wealth experienced a staggering increase of $300 million during the month, averaging a daily gain of $11.1 million since Feb. 1. This notable financial growth boosted his net worth from $10 billion at the beginning of the month to $10.3 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

South African Billionaires Ranking 2024: Nicky Oppenheimer takes second place

The surge in Oppenheimer’s wealth, which now totals $450 million year-to-date, can be attributed to a boost in the valuation of his diverse investments, primarily managed through his ventures, Stockdale Street in London, and Tana Africa Capital in Johannesburg.

With a current fortune of $10.3 billion, Oppenheimer occupies the 226th position on the global list of wealthiest individuals. In South Africa, he ranks as the second-richest person, trailing only behind Johann Rupert, and maintains the third-richest position on the African continent.

Nicky Oppenheimer: A titan in the diamond industry and conservation advocate

Nicky Oppenheimer’s success as a businessman is widely acknowledged, particularly due to his influential role in the diamond industry. Notably, he sold his family’s 40-percent stake in De Beers to the mining conglomerate Anglo-American for an astounding $5.2 billion in 2012.

Beyond his business endeavors, Oppenheimer is renowned for his commitment to wilderness conservation. Alongside his son, Jonathan, he co-owns Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, dedicated to wildlife preservation and the protection of natural biodiversity in the region.

Additionally, Oppenheimer is the proprietor of the 65,000-hectare Shangani Ranch, a vital migration route for animals that significantly contributes to the local economy by employing 400 individuals and facilitating beef exports to the United Kingdom.