In a country plagued by persistent pollution and recurring droughts, it is every Zimbabwean’s dream to have a reliable and consistent water source to ensure a healthy and clean livelihood for both people and livestock. This growing need for dependable water sources has contributed to the thriving borehole drilling industry in Zimbabwe, driven by high demand.
In response to this demand, renowned Zimbabwean borehole drilling company, Nakiso, has introduced a new initiative to help customers access borehole drilling services on credit. This program is available to everyone, including civil servants, and offers manageable monthly installment plans based on the customer’s income.
Statistics indicate that the cost of drilling a borehole in Zimbabwe ranges between US$900 and US$1,400 for a depth of approximately 40 meters. Prices vary depending on location and conditions. Amidst the country’s ongoing economic challenges, Nakiso has assured its clients of transparent loan terms and guidance through the application process, making it accessible to individuals regardless of their income levels.
“We will guide you through the simple financial application process with our lending partners. Our experts will assess your property and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote,” the company explained.
Given that Zimbabwe is primarily an agricultural economy, many people have turned to small-scale farming, including home gardens and acquiring affordable land in rural areas for business purposes. Access to long-lasting water sources is, therefore, crucial. Recognizing this need, Nakiso Borehole Drilling has introduced initiatives to address financial barriers associated with water access, offering better payment options for borehole drilling services this year alone.
Nakiso Borehole Drilling, founded by young entrepreneur Lincoln Masiyenyama, provides drilling, installation, and maintenance services. Their skilled team is responsible for site assessments, drilling, and pump installations. As the business expands, Nakiso has opened several branches in Harare to meet the growing demand for borehole services across the country. In addition to these services, the company also offers free consultations and is active across social media platforms.
Lincoln Masiyenyama, born on May 1, 1991, completed his tertiary education at Harare Polytechnic College in 2016. The following year, he founded Southern Consolidated Suppliers (SCS), which supplied computer accessories, household appliances, electrical goods, stationery, and building materials. SCS operated from 2017 to 2019, before Masiyenyama officially registered Nakiso Borehole Drilling in 2019. Under his leadership, the company has successfully achieved its mission of providing affordable and accessible water solutions to Zimbabweans.
Masiyenyama’s journey from losing his father at a young age to moving between relatives’ homes is a testament to his resilience. He often shares how he rose from humble beginnings as an ice cream vendor after completing his O-levels, to engaging in cross-border trading as a teenager, and ultimately establishing a successful and award-winning business recognized in Zimbabwe’s corporate landscape.
“Fresh out of O-levels, I hit the dusty streets as an ice cream vendor. It wasn’t easy, but that’s where I learned the value of hard work and hustle. Every sale, every dollar earned, taught me valuable lessons that would shape my future,” he recalls.
Lincoln acknowledges the hardships he faced, crediting them for hardening him and teaching him how to be resourceful, both for himself and for his community.
“Selling ice cream wasn’t just about making a living; it was my business boot camp. I learned strategy—targeting events and functions to maximize sales. More importantly, it instilled a deep work ethic that I carry with me to this day. Those early hustles were the seeds that Nakiso Borehole Drilling was built on, and they taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of serving my community,” he adds.
In recognition of his entrepreneurial success, Lincoln has received multiple awards between 2020 and 2023, including the Man of Honour (Philanthropy and Professionalism) 2020 Silver Award, Young CEO of the Year at the 2023 Zimbabwe CEOs’ Network Awards, Young Entrepreneur Achiever’s Platinum Winner at the Entrepreneurs Network of Zimbabwe Awards 2023, and the Social Impact Project of the Year Award in 2023. His drilling scheme has also created jobs for over 80 people, helping address Zimbabwe’s unemployment crisis. The 33-year-old entrepreneur envisions a Zimbabwe where clean and accessible water is available to all.
To date, Nakiso Borehole Drilling has acquired a fleet of modern drilling rigs and equipment to ensure improved work efficiency and high-quality service. In line with his commitment to giving back to the community, Lincoln has sponsored various events, including the 2024 ZRP Staff College Golf Tournament. To further boost company growth, Nakiso has engaged brand ambassadors to promote its services.
The company has also expanded into the solar industry, diversifying from electric-powered to solar-powered boreholes in response to Zimbabwe’s ongoing power crisis. Nakiso now offers installation and supply services for solar systems, which include solar panels, controllers, inverters, and other related materials. Their solar package for a 40-meter borehole includes a 5,000-liter water tank, a 4-meter tank stand, solar panels, cables, solar stands, a submersible pump, concrete, pipes, and other accessories.
Lincoln Masiyenyama’s journey is not only about building a successful business but also about revolutionizing access to clean water in Zimbabwe. In light of the country’s ongoing water crisis, investing in a borehole is a long-term solution for water security. Through Nakiso Borehole Drilling’s new solar-powered boreholes and credit initiative, Lincoln is ensuring that water access becomes a reality for all Zimbabweans, regardless of their economic status.