Nicky Oppenheimer, a South African billionaire, just reached the $10-billion net worth barrier, making him the second-richest individual in South Africa and the third-richest on the continent.
Oppenheimer’s wealth has increased by $300 million in the last 11 days, resulting in an average daily gain of $27.3 million since Jan. 19. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index analyzes the fortunes of the world’s top 500 billionaires.
This astonishing financial gain has increased his net worth from $9.68 billion on January 19 to $9.98 billion at the time of writing, cementing his status as one of the world’s wealthiest people.
The recent $300-million increase in Oppenheimer’s fortune has not only covered prior losses, but has also resulted in significant year-to-date gains totaling $130 million. The increase in his fortune is attributed to the rising value of his diversified interests, which are principally managed through two businesses, Stockdale Street in London and Tana Africa Capital in Johannesburg.
Oppenheimer is now the 228th richest person in the world, with a net worth of $9.98 billion. In South Africa, he is second only to Johann Rupert, and he is the third wealthiest person on the African continent.
His commercial success is partly due to his important involvement in the diamond industry, including the selling of his family’s 40% ownership in De Beers to mining behemoth Anglo-American for a stunning $5.2 billion in 2012.
Beyond his successful economic efforts, Oppenheimer is known for his commitment to wilderness protection. He and his son, Jonathan, co-own Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, which acts as a wildlife sanctuary and is critical to the preservation of the region’s natural biodiversity.
Oppenheimer owns the 65,000-hectare Shangani Ranch, which supports the local economy by employing 400 people and exporting cattle to the UK.