South African Billionaire Nicky Oppenheimer Adds 225 Million To His Net Worth

Building on a remarkable year in 2024, which saw his fortune grow by 1.85 billion , South African billionaire Nicky Oppenheimer has added another 225 million to his net worth in the first three weeks of 2025. This solidifies his position among Africas richest individuals, highlighting his enduring influence on the continents economic landscape.

At 79, Oppenheimer remains South Africas second-richest individual, following Johann Rupert, whose wealth has grown by over 1.6 billion so far this year . According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index , Oppenheimers fortune has risen from 11.6 billion at the start of the year to 11.8 billion as of Jan. 22, showcasing consistent financial gains.

Nicky Oppenheimers path to extraordinary wealth traces back to his early immersion in the family business. After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in politics, philosophy, and economics, he joined Anglo American at the age of 23 as a personal assistant to his father. Years of dedication culminated in his appointment as chairman of De Beers in 1998.

Under his leadership, Oppenheimer steered De Beers through a pivotal transformation. When the companys diamond market dominance diminished in 2000, he reshaped its business strategy to thrive in a more competitive landscape. A notable achievement during his tenure was the establishment of the Kimberley Process certification in 2003, an initiative designed to eliminate conflict diamonds from the global market.

In 2012, the Oppenheimer family concluded their 80-year legacy in the diamond industry by selling their remaining 40 percent stake in De Beers to Anglo American for 5.2 billion. This decision marked the close of a remarkable chapter in the familys history while cementing Oppenheimers legacy as a key figure in the diamond trade.