South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe has seen his net worth drop by $200 million over a 17-day stretch, as shares in his flagship firm African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) continue to reel from commodity price volatility and tightening environmental scrutiny.The decline comes after ARM reported a 49% drop in headline earnings for the first half of 2025, weighed down by falling prices for iron ore and platinum group metals According to Forbes real-time data, Motsepe’s net worth fell from $3.5 billion on July 18 to $3.3 billion as of August 4.Motsepe, the first Black African billionaire to appear on Forbes’ global list and current CAF President, holds a 45.9% stake in African Rainbow Minerals, which is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange The company’s share price has slid nearly 8% in 11 days, dragging its market capitalization below $2.3 billion Despite the short-term hit, Motsepe’s 2025 balance sheet still shows a net year-to-date gain of $300 million, buoyed by earlier spikes in commodity prices and the rising valuation of Tyme Group, his digital banking venture.Tyme Group, which operates in Africa and Southeast Asia, raised $250 million in a Series D round in December 2024
Motsepe’s indirect 40% stake in the fintech company is now estimated at $600 million.Through African Rainbow Capital, Motsepe has also been building exposure in sectors like financial services, renewable energy, and telecommunications a clear hedge against mining market swings Still, African Rainbow Minerals faces multiple headwinds Beyond commodity prices, the group is now the subject of a lawsuit from WWF South Africa over its $160 million Elandsfontein phosphate project near Langebaan Lagoon, raising ESG concerns.To manage financial risks, ARM recently hedged 18 million shares in Harmony Gold, unlocking liquidity while preserving some upside in the gold market While Motsepe’s $200 million loss in under three weeks may seem significant, it reflects the inherent volatility of natural resource markets rather than any fundamental failure of strategy
His broader diversification particularly into tech and finance is helping cushion the blow, keeping him firmly among Africa’s billionaire elite Source: Gambakwe
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Source: Gambakwe
