Johann Rupert, South Africa’s richest man, had a considerable increase in his wealth in April compared to last month, consolidating his status as one of Africa’s most influential industrialists.
- Johann Rupert’s net worth increased from $13.7 billion at the start of the year to $15.3 billion in April.
- He is Africa’s second richest man and 145th richest person in the world.
- Rupert’s wealth grew due to the strong performance of his luxury goods business, particularly Richemont, which owns brands such as Cartier and Montblanc.
Rupert, the continent’s second richest man behind Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, has had his net worth rise dramatically from $13.7 billion at the start of the year to $15.3 billion in April, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index.
Rupert was listed as the 171st richest person in the world as of January 2025. By April, he had risen to 145th place, a significant improvement in such a short period.
According to Bloomberg, his year-to-date wealth growth is $1.64 billion, with the most recent single-day gain of $97.7 million.
Johann Rupert’s 2025 performance so far
Rupert’s fortune grew particularly quickly in February, when it peaked at $17 billion, making him, at the time, Africa’s best-performing billionaire of the year.
Then he had a Year-to-Date (YTD) change in net worth of +$3.32 billion, compared to Dangote’s YTD change of +$153 million.
His wealth reflects the strong performance of his luxury goods business, notably Richemont, which owns globally recognized brands such as Cartier and Montblanc.
Forbes published an article in March outlining the overall resurrection of Africa’s billionaire class, which provides a larger background for Rupert’s achievement.
The combined net worth of Africa’s wealthiest people increased to $105 billion last year, up from $82.4 billion the previous year.
South Africa led the rebound, with seven billionaires, followed by Nigeria and Egypt with four apiece. Morocco provided three billionaires to the list, with Algeria (represented by Issad Rebrab), Tanzania (Mohammed Dewiji), and Zimbabwe (Strive Masiyiwa) each adding one.
Johann Rupert attributes most of his 39% growth in fortune during the last year to Richemont’s good performance, despite headwinds in the global luxury business.
According to its last financial statement, Richemont’s fiscal third quarter ended December 31, 2024, had record quarterly revenues of €6.15 billion, representing a 10% year-over-year gain at constant and real exchange rates.
Sales increased by 11%, accounting for 71% of total group sales, led by the Jewellery Maisons.
Including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier, this segment saw a 14% sales increase, driven by strong performance of iconic jewellery and watch lines, particularly during the festive season.
