Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh’s net worth surges above $8.5 billion

Yusuf Abdulfatai -

Key Points:

  • Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh’s net worth surpasses $8.5 billion, driven by a $290 million increase in just 16 days.
  • Kirsh’s 75 percent stake in Jetro Holdings is now valued at $5.88 billion, contributing significantly to his wealth.
  • Natie Kirsh ranks 317th on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, with substantial investments in food supply and real estate sectors.

Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh, renowned for his vast wealth and extensive business ventures within the food supply industry, has seen his net worth soar by $290 million, surpassing $8.5 billion. This solidifies his position as Eswatini’s wealthiest individual and strengthens his standing among Africa’s richest.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Kirsh’s net worth has surged by $290 million over the past 16 days, with his net worth rising from $8.23 billion on May 4 to $8.52 billion — reflecting an average daily gain of $18.13 million.

The surge in Kirsh’s wealth is primarily 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.

Kirsh’s Jetro Holdings drive $8.52 billion fortune

Ranked 317th 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 worth $205 million.

The bulk of Kirsh’s fortune stems from his 75-percent stake in Jetro Holdings, currently valued at $5.88 billion. This represents an increase from $5.50 billion on May 4, adding $380 million to his wealth. This stake accounts for over 66 percent of Kirsh’s $8.52 billion fortune.

Abacus Property Group boosts Kirsh’s wealth

In addition to Jetro Holdings, Kirsh maintains a 54-percent stake in Abacus Property Group, a Sydney-based publicly traded real estate investment trust. However, over the past 16 days, the value of this asset has risen slightly by $11 million, from $349 million to $360 million.

Kirsh’s property portfolio includes significant assets like Tower 42, London’s leading office skyscraper, valued at $360 million in 2024, and Jandakot Airport in Perth, Australia. The recent surge in his wealth reaffirms his position among the world’s wealthiest individuals.