South Africa’s Billionaire, Johann Rupert, Gains $3.6 billion, Closes Gap On Aliko Dangote

Johann Rupert, South African billionaire and chairman of Swiss luxury goods firm, Compagnie Financiere Richemont, recorded the highest growth in his wealth compared to Aliko Dangote, the founder of Dangote Cement.

Rupert’s wealth rose by 22.53 per cent, while Dangote saw a 5.2 per cent growth in his fortune, but the difference in growth was not enough for the latter to displace the Nigerian billionaire.

According to Prime Business Africa’s analysis of both billionaires’ estimated wealth on Forbes, Rupert was estimated to be worth $7.1 billion in 2021. 

A check by PBA showed that Rupert is now worth $8.7 billion as of November 22, 2022. This means his fortune grew by $1.6 billion, representing a 22.53 per cent increase. 

Rupert, whose company produces famous brands, Cartier and Montblanc, couldn’t relinquish Dangote as the richest man in Africa, retaining the second spot despite the rise in his fortune. 

During the period Rupert’s wealth grew by 22.53 per cent, Dangote could only grow his networth by 5.2 per cent, adding just about $600 million to last year’s $11.5 billion. 

Dangote’s wealth is now estimated at $12.1 billion as of Tuesday. The billionaire’s fortune is drawn from cement sales and agriculture. He has made the necessary investments to add oil and gas to his fortune’s sources.

Note that in 2012, when both billionaires first featured on the billionaire’s list, Rupert was worth $5.1 billion, below Dangote’s networth of $11.2 billion. 

However, in the last 10 years, Rupert’s wealth has grown by 70.5 per cent, gaining $3.6 billion over the years, but Dangote’s fortune has increased by only $900 million, representing 8 per cent growth during the same period.