Another African billionaire has crossed the $20 billion mark

Africa now boasts another billionaire who, according to Bloomberg’s index, has surpassed the $20 billion mark. South African businessman Johann Rupert, as of the 16th of June, 2026, is worth $20.2 billion.

Jun 16, 2026 - 16:36

Another African billionaire has crossed the $20 billion mark

Another African billionaire has crossed the $20 billion mark [Wikipedia]

Africa now boasts another billionaire who, according to Bloomberg’s index, has surpassed the $20 billion mark. South African businessman Johann Rupert, as of the 16th of June, 2026, is worth $20.2 billion.

Johann Rupert, a South African businessman, has surpassed $20 billion in net worth, becoming Africa's second-richest individual.
He now ranks as the world’s 136th richest person, with a net worth of $20.2 billion, following a notable increase in his valuation over the past day.
Rupert surpassed Nigeria’s Abdulsamad Rabiu in the race for Africa’s second spot, as Rabiu's fortune dropped to around $17.5 billion.
Rupert's company, Richemont, reported strong financial performance, with sales up 11% to €22.4 billion and significant success in both the Americas and China.

Yesterday, it was reported that the South African billionaire was closer than ever to entering the elite club of high-net-worth individuals valued at $20 billion with a fortune of $19.9 billion.

Today, he surpassed the mark, becoming the world’s 136th richest person with a net worth of $20.2 billion.

Compared to 24 hours ago, when he was up $427 million in the most recent trading session and $463 million year to date (YTD), he now has a YTD of +$724 million and a change in valuation of an additional +$261 million.

The current development places Johann Rupert at the position of Africa's second-richest individual behind Aliko Dangote, who currently boasts a net worth of $36.6 billion.

A few weeks ago, Rupert was in a heated race with Nigeria’s Abdulsamad Rabiu for the second spot in Africa’s billionaires ranking, when Rabiu was worth $19.1 million compared to Rupert’s $19 billion.

Abdulsamad Rabiu and Johann Rupert in a fierce race to become Africa's next $20b billionaire [AI image]

At the time, both men seemed to be in a race to $20 billion, with Rabiu's fortune eventually peaking at $19.7 billion before falling to around $17.5 billion.

Recent successes with Rupert's Enterprise

Richemont, an entity under the control of Rupert, reported a robust financial performance in May, notwithstanding the prevailing global economic uncertainties.

The luxury goods conglomerate recorded an 11% increase in sales, reaching €22.4 billion when calculated at constant exchange rates.

This expansion was primarily propelled by significant consumer demand within the Americas and an upward trajectory in sales across China.

The group's key jewelry brands, including Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, surpassed forecasts, with sales up 14%.

According to recent sources, Richemont's market worth has climbed to almost $117 billion after its shares more than tripled over the previous five years, bringing the luxury firm closer to the critical $123 billion valuation milestone.

In June, he took over The Bridge Stellenbosch, a significant mixed-use development in South Africa's Western Cape, following a conflict with investor Rurik Göbel over an R2.3 billion ($139 million) land sale linked to the project.

Rupert was also granted clearance for one of South Africa's major healthcare deals in recent years, giving him more influence over a network of 50 hospitals and over 9,000 beds at a time when discussion over the country's proposed National Health Insurance changes is heating up.