Mbabane, Eswatini — A notable achievement has been reached in Africa’s financial landscape as Nathan Kirsh, the sole billionaire from Eswatini, has joined the prestigious $20 billion club, according to Forbes’latest rankings. This milestone makes him the third African individual to achieve such a high net worth, joining Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote and South Africa’s Johann Rupert. Kirsh’s impressive growth in wealth is attributed to the March 2026 sale of Restaurant Depot LLC, a venture he co-founded, to Sysco Corp.
For approximately $29 billion. This transaction significantly boosted his net worth, propelling him from a starting point of $9. 1 billion to the current $20 billion.
The surge in Kirsh’s fortune mirrors the strong fiscal performances of Africa’s wealthy individuals, with Nigerian billionaire Abdulsamad Rabiu and South Africa’s Johann Rupert also coming close to the $20 billion mark.
However, Rabiu’s fortune dipped below $15 billion in June, while Rupert crossed the threshold according to the Bloomberg billionaire index. Kirsh’s success story, which began with the establishment of Jetro Cash & Carry in 1976 and later evolved into Restaurant Depot, is a testament to the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive that is shaping Africa’s economic landscape. Restaurant Depot has become one of the largest food-service suppliers in the United States, with a substantial annual revenue and a network of 166 locations across 35 states.
This addition to Africa’s billionaire class underscores the continent’s economic resilience and potential, as well as the increasing role of African entrepreneurs in the global economy.
As the continent continues to grow and develop, it is anticipated that more individuals will join the ranks of Africa’s wealthiest, further enhancing its position on the global economic stage.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Chinedu Okafor
