Table of Contents
Key Points
- Oppenheimer's fortune grows $1.03 billion in 2025, raising his net worth to $12.6 billion and ranking him third-richest in Africa.
- Since exiting De Beers in 2012, the Oppenheimers have invested in manufacturing, consumer goods, and finance through private firms.
- The family supports biodiversity and local jobs through large-scale conservation efforts in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
South African billionaire Nicky Oppenheimer, the country’s second-richest person, has added more than $1 billion to his fortune so far this year, pushing his net worth to $12.6 billion. This solidifies his standing as the third-richest individual on the African continent, behind Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote and fellow South African Johann Rupert.
Nicky Oppenheimer’s wealth rises $1.03 billion
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which tracks the world’s 500 wealthiest people, Oppenheimer’s fortune has grown by $1.03 billion since Jan. 1, rising from $11.5 billion at the start of the year. This follows a strong 2024, when his wealth increased by $1.85 billion, climbing from $9.85 billion to $11.7 billion before dipping to $11.5 billion on New Year’s Day.
The boost in his net worth is tied to the performance of his family’s broad portfolio. Although the Oppenheimers are best known for their long history in the diamond business—particularly their former stake in De Beers—their wealth is now largely managed through private investment firms such as Stockdale Street in London and Tana Africa Capital in Johannesburg. These firms have steered the family into a mix of industries, helping to steadily grow their fortune.
Wealth shifts from diamonds to industry
After stepping away from the diamond business in 2012, Nicky Oppenheimer has helped steer his family in a new direction. That year, he sold their remaining 40 percent stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.2 billion, closing the chapter on an 80-year legacy in mining.
Since then, alongside his son Jonathan, he has been focused on building something broader—through Oppenheimer Generations, a family office with operations in Johannesburg and Singapore that seeks out opportunities across Africa and Asia.
One of their major investments is in GZ Industries (GZI), Nigeria’s largest beverage can manufacturer. In 2023, Jonathan’s investment company, Oppenheimer Partners, took full control of GZI after buying out a 37.5 percent stake from Affirma Capital. GZI supplies major clients including Coca-Cola, further anchoring the family in Africa’s growing consumer sector.
Oppenheimers expand conservation in Africa
But their efforts go beyond boardrooms and factories. Nicky and Jonathan are also deeply involved in conservation. Together, they own Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa’s largest private game reserve. The property not only protects endangered species but also supports research and sustainable development in the fragile Kalahari ecosystem.
Their environmental work continues across the border in Zimbabwe, where Nicky owns the 65,000-hectare Shangani Ranch. The ranch helps preserve key wildlife corridors and supports about 400 local jobs. It also contributes to the country’s economy through beef exports, including shipments to the United Kingdom.