Insight

• Dimunayo Tengi
• 6 Min Read

Eswatini Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Eswatini

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa known for its blend of tradition and modernity. Despite its relatively small population and landmass, Eswatini has produced a number of wealthy and influential individuals who have left a notable mark on the country’s economy. These men have thrived in sectors ranging from retail and real estate to finance and agriculture. This article highlights the top 10 richest men in Eswatini as of 2025, offering insights into how they amassed their wealth and their contributions to national development.

1. Nathan “Natie” Kirsh

• Estimated Net Worth: $9.85 Billion

• Sectors: Wholesale Retail, Property Investment, Finance

• Notable Assets: Jetro Holdings, Abacus Property, Tower 42 (UK)

Nathan Kirsh is undoubtedly the most affluent person in Eswatini. With nearly $10 billion to his name, he has built a business empire that spans continents. Kirsh holds a controlling interest in Jetro Holdings, which owns Jetro Cash & Carry and Restaurant Depot—major players in the wholesale food supply business in the United States.

Kirsh’s ventures extend beyond retail. He has substantial investments in real estate, including stakes in major properties in the UK, Australia, and Israel. One of his most iconic assets is Tower 42 in London. Though he spends most of his time outside Eswatini, Kirsh was born and raised in the country, and his investments continue to contribute indirectly to the nation's economic landscape.

2. King Mswati III

• Estimated Net Worth: $200 Million

• Sectors: Royal Holdings, Agriculture, Real Estate

• Main Asset: Tibiyo Taka Ngwane (National Investment Fund)

King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch, is not just the political head of Eswatini but also a central figure in the country’s economy. His net worth is closely tied to Tibiyo Taka Ngwane, a sovereign wealth fund established to invest in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, real estate, and finance.

While the fund is technically held in trust for the nation, it operates under the King’s direct influence. His economic influence is significant, as Tibiyo owns shares in several major companies operating within Eswatini. Despite the criticisms around monarchy-associated wealth, the King’s leadership plays a defining role in shaping the country’s economic structure.

3. Neal Rijkenberg

• Estimated Net Worth: $150 Million

• Sectors: Timber, Government, Investment

• Roles: Minister of Finance, Former CEO of Montigny Investments

Before assuming public office, Neal Rijkenberg was already a well-known name in Eswatini’s business community. He headed Montigny Investments, a major timber and forestry enterprise that has been central to the country’s industrial output. Under his leadership, the company adopted modern and sustainable practices that enhanced productivity and expanded market reach.

In recent years, Rijkenberg transitioned to government service as the Minister of Finance. His financial background has made him an instrumental figure in shaping economic policy and public fiscal management in Eswatini, bringing a business-minded approach to national finance.

4. Jabulani “Buy Cash” Mabuza

• Estimated Net Worth: $100 Million

• Sectors: Retail, Politics

• Key Enterprise: Buy Cash Hardware Stores

Jabulani Mabuza, popularly called “Buy Cash,” is a retail magnate turned political leader. His hardware chain, Buy Cash, has become a household name across the country, with outlets in major towns and urban centers. Starting from a small store, Mabuza scaled the business through competitive pricing and customer trust.

His success in retail eventually paved the way for a role in public service. He currently serves as the Speaker of Eswatini’s House of Assembly. His story reflects a seamless blend of entrepreneurial spirit and political engagement, highlighting how business success can transition into national leadership.

5. Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini (Late)

• Estimated Net Worth (Pre-2020): $50 Million

• Sectors: Telecom, Banking, Government

• Notable Roles: CEO of MTN Eswatini, Prime Minister (2018–2020)

Ambrose Dlamini’s journey to prominence began in the corporate world, where he held executive roles in telecommunications and banking. He served as CEO of MTN Eswatini, the country’s leading mobile network provider, where he oversaw rapid expansion and technological growth.

In 2018, he was appointed Prime Minister, a role he fulfilled until his untimely death in 2020. His dual career in business and governance positioned him as a progressive leader with a vision for economic transformation and digital innovation.

6. Themba Dlamini

• Estimated Net Worth: $40 Million

• Sectors: Investment, Public Administration

• Role: Managing Director, Tibiyo Taka Ngwane

Themba Dlamini plays a critical role in managing one of Eswatini’s most important economic institutions, Tibiyo Taka Ngwane. As the managing director, he oversees investments that fund national development projects and provide capital to strategic industries.

His leadership has been credited with increasing the fund’s efficiency and transparency, while also promoting local entrepreneurship and employment. Dlamini’s work bridges the gap between traditional economic structures and modern investment strategies.

7. Prince Lindani Dlamini

• Estimated Net Worth: $30 Million

• Sectors: Agriculture, Property Development

• Business Type: Private Farming & Real Estate Ventures

Prince Lindani Dlamini is a royal family member with an entrepreneurial drive. He has focused his efforts on agriculture, particularly commercial farming and agri-processing. In addition to his agricultural interests, he has also invested in residential and commercial real estate projects.

His businesses emphasize sustainability and local empowerment, providing jobs and boosting food production. Prince Lindani exemplifies how members of the monarchy are contributing to the economy outside the confines of ceremonial roles.

8. Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini (Late)

• Estimated Net Worth (Pre-2017): $25 Million

• Sectors: Economics, Politics

• Role: Prime Minister (1996–2003, 2008–2013)

Sibusiso Dlamini was a long-serving Prime Minister of Eswatini who had an extensive background in economics and finance. Before entering politics, he held positions with international financial institutions, which gave him a global perspective on development economics.

His political career was marked by policies aimed at fiscal discipline, investment attraction, and infrastructure development. Though he passed away in 2017, his legacy continues to influence Eswatini’s economic governance.

9. Majozi Sithole

• Estimated Net Worth: $20 Million

• Sectors: Finance, Academia

• Role: Former Minister of Finance

Majozi Sithole is an academic-turned-politician who served as Minister of Finance for more than a decade. During his tenure, he introduced key financial reforms, managed state budgets with caution, and negotiated loans and grants for development projects.

His conservative fiscal approach helped maintain economic stability during periods of uncertainty. After leaving government service, Sithole returned to academia and finance consultancy, contributing thought leadership to public finance discussions.

10. Felix Dlamini

• Estimated Net Worth: $15 Million

• Sectors: Manufacturing, Trade

• Business Focus: Consumer Goods & Industrial Products

Felix Dlamini rounds out the list with a strong presence in the manufacturing and trade sectors. His businesses produce a wide array of goods, ranging from packaged food to industrial materials. Through domestic production, he has reduced reliance on imports and increased local supply chain capabilities.

Dlamini’s entrepreneurial efforts have helped create jobs and encourage innovation, making him a valuable contributor to Eswatini’s industrial landscape.

Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Men in Eswatini (2025)

Final Thoughts

Eswatini’s economic elite includes a fascinating mix of global business magnates, royalty, seasoned politicians, and ambitious entrepreneurs. Their individual contributions span across vital sectors of the economy, from wholesale and property to banking and agriculture. While some gained their wealth through inheritance and royal influence, others earned it through innovation, leadership, and resilience.

As Eswatini continues its journey toward modernization and inclusive economic growth, the actions of these wealthy individuals will likely play a critical role. Their investments, both at home and abroad, contribute not just to personal fortunes, but also to the broader development goals of the nation.