South Africa’s richest man Johann Rupert gains $900M; net worth rises to $19.1B

Johann Rupert, South Africa’s richest man, has seen his fortune rebound sharply, gaining $900 million in less than two weeks and bringing his net worth to $19.1 billion. The rebound comes after a brief period of uncertainty for Richemont, the Swiss luxury goods group Rupert controls.

In late January, concerns over potential U.S. tariffs on high-end imports weighed on Richemont shares, driving Rupert’s net worth down from $19.7 billion to $18.2 billion. Investors worried that higher duties could curb demand at a time when luxury brands are already facing uneven sales in China and slower global economic growth.

Johann Rupert’s wealth rises to $19.1 billion

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Rupert’s wealth jumped from $18.2 billion on Jan. 31 to $19.1 billion at the time of drafting this report, keeping his goal of surpassing the $20 billion mark within reach. The increase positions him as Africa’s second-richest person behind Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, and 142nd on the global list of billionaires, highlighting his influence in luxury markets and the resilience of his investments.

The recent gain is closely linked to Richemont’s stock performance, which rose more than 5 percent over the past five days, lifting market cap above $120 billion. Rupert’s personal stake, worth $13.1 billion, reflects his 10.18 percent ownership and control of 51 percent of the company’s voting rights. This gives him decisive control over a portfolio of luxury brands including Cartier, Montblanc, Chloé, Van Cleef & Arpels, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Buccellati.

Johann Rupert edges closer to $20 billion

Beyond Richemont, Rupert’s wealth is supported by other holdings. He owns a 25 percent stake in Reinet Investments, valued at $1.69 billion. His broad investment portfolio also includes $544 million in Remgro, $215 million in FirstRand, and cash reserves of about $3.55 billion, giving him substantial financial flexibility.

Despite the recent surge, Rupert’s year-to-date performance shows a net decline of $348 million, down from $1.25 billion at the start of the year. The latest $900 million rebound, however, illustrates the stability of his assets and Richemont’s ability to recover amid market pressures. As his fortune edges closer to $20 billion, Rupert maintains his position as South Africa’s richest person and remains a key figure in the global luxury goods industry.