South Africa’s richest man, Johann Rupert, is $1.3 billion richer in 2026

Johann Rupert, South Africa’s richest person, has added $1.3 billion to his fortune in 2026, as his wealth continues to be tied closely to the performance of luxury goods and investment businesses.

Forbes estimates Rupert’s real-time net worth at $17.4 billion as of August 23, 2026, placing him 165th among the world’s billionaires and second on its Africa’s Billionaires list. His fortune has risen from an estimated $16.1 billion in 2025.

Rupert, 76, is chairman of Swiss luxury group Compagnie Financière Richemont, whose portfolio includes some of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands, including Cartier and Montblanc.

Richemont was created in 1998 through a spin-off of luxury assets owned by the Rembrandt Group, the South African business established by Rupert’s father, Anton Rupert, in the 1940s.

The younger Rupert remains closely connected to the family’s wider investment interests. He owns about 7% of diversified investment company Remgro, where he serves as chairman, and holds a 26% stake in Reinet, a Luxembourg-based investment holding company.

His wealth therefore extends beyond the luxury industry, although Richemont remains one of the most important businesses associated with his fortune.

What the data is saying

According to data tracked on Forbes by Nairametrics, Rupert’s wealth jump is tied to his stake in Richemont which has appreciated over the last 8months.

• The company’s shares have had a relatively subdued year on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Richemont’s share price stood at about 3,703.44 randon August 23, compared with 3,627.04 rand at the start of the year, representing a year-to-date gain of roughly 1.29%.
• The stock has, however, weakened in the shorter term. Richemont closed at 3,674.01 rand on August 20, down 1.5% from its previous close of 3,728.15 rand. Over the preceding four weeks, the shares had lost about 7% of their value.

Despite that recent weakness, the company remains a major publicly traded luxury group, and movements in its valuation can have an important effect on Rupert’s estimated wealth.

Get up to speed

Forbes has consistently ranked Rupert among Africa’s wealthiest individuals.

• He was ranked second on its Africa’s Billionaires list in 2026, the same position he held in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
• Much of Rupert’s public profile has also extended beyond corporate affairs. He has been an outspoken opponent of plans to permit hydraulic fracturing in South Africa’s Karoo region, where he owns land.
• His interests have included investments outside his core businesses. He was previously an investor in England’s Saracens rugby team and Anthonij Rupert Wines, named after his late brother.

Rupert has also spoken about missed investment opportunities. One of his biggest regrets, he has said, was failing to buy half of Gucci when he had the opportunity to acquire the stake for $175 million.

What you should know

Rupert’s fortune had already recorded a strong increase before the latest Forbes estimate. In May 2025, Nairametrics reported that his net worth had risen by $2.45 billion to $16.1 billion, according to billionaires Index data, representing a 17.9% year-to-date increase.

• For the financial year ended March 2025, Richemont reported an 8% increase in jewellery sales at constant exchange rates, with strong demand for Cartier helping the company withstand weaker luxury spending in China and rising raw material costs.
• At the time, Richemont shares had gained about 15% in 2025, contrasting with a decline of roughly 17% for rival luxury group LVMH. The company reported operating profit of €4.47 billion for the year.

The billionaire has maintained a comparatively low public profile while overseeing the family’s investments. His wealth has remained closely linked to the performance of luxury markets and listed investments, making changes in share prices an important driver of his estimated net worth.