For decades, the Oppenheimer name represented one of the most powerful fortunes in African business.
The family controlled De Beers for 85 years, shaped the global diamond trade, and stood at the centre of South Africa’s mining economy. But Africa’s billionaire order is changing.
South African businessman Nicky Oppenheimer is now ranked fourth among Africa’s richest people, with a net worth of $10.6 billion, according to Forbes Africa’s latest billionaire profile.
He now sits behind Nigerian industrialist Abdulsamad Rabiu, whose fortune has climbed to $11.2 billion. That gives Rabiu a $600 million lead over Oppenheimer and marks one of the clearest signs yet that Africa’s wealth hierarchy is being reshaped.
Forbes Africa says the BUA Group founder was the biggest gainer among Africa’s billionaires in 2026, adding $6.1 billion to his fortune. His wealth rose by nearly 120%, moving him from sixth place a year earlier to third place on the continent’s rich list.
