Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh rakes in $440 million in five weeks

Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh, renowned for his vast wealth and business ventures in the food supply industry, has seen a significant surge in his net worth over the past five weeks, cementing his position as Eswatini’s richest person and one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index — which tracks the fortunes of the world’s 500 wealthiest billionaires — Kirsh’s net worth has soared by $440 million over the past five weeks, reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals. With this recent surge, Kirsh’s net worth is now pegged at $8.18 billion, up from $7.74 billion on Feb. 6.

The primary driver behind this surge — which translates to an average daily gain of $12.57 million since Feb. 6 — 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.

Kirsh’s rise to the 311th spot among the world’s wealthiest billionaires

Currently holding the 311th spot on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Kirsh derives a substantial portion of his wealth from private investments. His closely held conglomerate Kirsh Group, which holds a majority position in Jetro Holdings, is presently worth $205 million.

Going by Bloomberg’s figures, the bulk of Kirsh’s wealth stems from his 75-percent stake in Jetro Holdings, presently valued at an impressive $5.53 billion, constituting over 66 percent of his total $8.18-billion fortune.

Kirsh’s Abacus Property Group stake soars by $51 million in five weeks

In addition to his interests in Jetro Holdings, Kirsh holds a 54-percent stake in Abacus Property Group, a Sydney-based publicly traded real estate investment trust. Over the past five weeks, the value of this asset has risen by $51 million, going from $320 million on Feb. 6 to $371 million.

Kirsh’s property portfolio includes significant assets like Tower 42, London’s leading office skyscraper, valued at $364 million in 2024, and Jandakot Airport in Perth, Australia. The recent increase in his wealth solidifies his position among the world’s wealthiest individuals.