Nicky Oppenheimer's top 5 philanthropic contributions: Shaping Africa's future through education, conservation and economic empowerment

Oluwatosin Racheal Alabi -

Key Points

  • Nicky Oppenheimer’s $57 million donation during COVID-19 supported small businesses and saved thousands of jobs in South Africa.
  • Through the Brenthurst Foundation, Oppenheimer drives Africa’s economic growth and sustainable development.
  • The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust funds education, arts, and civil society projects, advancing learning and advocacy in Africa.

Nicky Oppenheimer, born June 8, 1945, is a South African billionaire businessman, conservationist and philanthropist. Renowned for his leadership of De Beers and Anglo American, Oppenheimer has leveraged his wealth to drive social change, conservation and economic growth across Africa. With an estimated net worth of $9.5 billion, he is South Africa’s second-richest individual and one of Africa’s top five wealthiest people.

Oppenheimer’s philanthropic endeavors, often in partnership with his son Jonathan, extend far beyond his business legacy. Through initiatives such as the Brenthurst Foundation, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Fund and other programs, he has supported millions of Africans, focusing on education, conservation, small business development and democracy. Here are five of his most impactful contributions.

$57 million fund supports small businesses during COVID-19

When the COVID-19 pandemic devastated small businesses in 2020, Nicky Oppenheimer pledged R1 billion ($57 million) through the Oppenheimer Generations Foundation to establish the South African Future Trust. This initiative provided no-interest, five-year loans to employees of small businesses to ensure they remained on payrolls during the crisis.

Rather than direct grants, the program used innovative loan structures to sustain thousands of businesses and jobs during lockdowns. The trust continues to operate, with funds projected for full disbursement by December 2040.

Brenthurst Foundation champions Africa's economic growth

Founded in 2004 by Nicky and Jonathan Oppenheimer, the Brenthurst Foundation is a think tank dedicated to improving Africa’s economic performance.

The foundation conducts research and facilitates high-level policy dialogues among African leaders and experts to advance sustainable development, public-private partnerships and youth employment. By offering actionable policy advice, the Brenthurst Foundation shapes Africa’s development agenda.

$80 million donation strengthens the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust

In 2012, Nicky Oppenheimer and his family donated $80 million to the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, a cornerstone of their philanthropy. The trust funds educational institutions, civil society organizations and arts programs, prioritizing improved access to education and advocacy.

The trust supports initiatives in human rights, educational reform and community development, fostering lasting societal impact.

Diamond Route highlights conservation and biodiversity

The Oppenheimer family’s dedication to conservation culminated in the Diamond Route initiative in 2006. This network of eight conservation areas across South Africa, created in partnership with De Beers, promotes biodiversity research, ecotourism and environmental awareness.

Key sites include the Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve and Brenthurst Gardens. These areas contribute significantly to ecological preservation and sustainable tourism.

$1.1 million donation advances South African democracy

In 2024, Oppenheimer demonstrated his commitment to political pluralism through a donation of R10 million ($552,200) each to the Democratic Alliance and the Inkatha Freedom Party. The $1.1 million contribution supports democracy, political pluralism and fair elections in South Africa.

Oppenheimer’s philanthropic vision embodies the belief that wealth should benefit society as a whole, leaving a legacy of progress in education, ecology, economic growth and political liberalization across Africa.