Eswatini’s richest man Natie Kirsh gains $610 million in 19 days

Omokolade Ajayi -

Key Points

  • Kirsh’s net worth jumps $610 million in 19 days, driven by strong business performance in food supply, boosting his total fortune to $9.14 billion.
  • Jetro Holdings stake appreciates to $6.41 billion, solidifying Kirsh’s position as one of Africa’s top billionaires in 2024.
  • Real estate assets, including Tower 42 and Jandakot Airport, further bolster Kirsh’s wealth, reaffirming his status as Eswatini’s richest man.

Swazi billionaire Natie Kirsh has recorded a substantial increase in his net worth, reinforcing his standing as Eswatini’s wealthiest individual and one of Africa’s top business magnates. Over the past 19 days, Kirsh’s fortune has surged by $610 million, elevating his total net worth from $8.53 billion on Aug. 8 to $9.14 billion, according to Bloomberg’s real-time billionaire index.

This impressive $610 million boost in Kirsh’s wealth is primarily attributed to the robust performance of his extensive business interests, particularly in the food supply industry. The surge extends his year-to-date gains to $1.53 billion, placing him among a select group of African billionaires who have seen their fortunes rise by over a billion dollars this year.

Natie Kirsh’s Jetro stake boosts net worth

Kirsh’s substantial wealth is largely derived from his 75-percent stake in Jetro Holdings, a New York-based consumer goods holding company that operates two prominent wholesale grocery enterprises in the United States: Jetro Cash & Carry and Restaurant Depot. This year alone, his stake in Jetro Holdings has appreciated from $5.7 billion on Jan. 1 to $6.41 billion, solidifying his position as one of the continent’s wealthiest billionaires.

Ranked 291st on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Kirsh’s portfolio extends beyond Jetro Holdings. He also holds a 54-percent stake in Abacus Property Group, a Sydney-based publicly traded real estate investment trust. Additionally, his privately held conglomerate, Kirsh Group, which owns a majority position in Jetro Holdings, is valued at $205 million.

Real estate surge adds to Kirsh’s fortune

Kirsh’s real estate assets further bolster his wealth. Notably, his property portfolio includes Tower 42, London’s iconic office skyscraper, valued at $364 million in 2024, and Jandakot Airport in Perth, Australia. The recent surge in his wealth not only reaffirms his status as Eswatini’s richest man but also underscores his position among the world’s wealthiest individuals, with significant holdings across the globe.