BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE – His Majesty King Mswati III’s visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, in May 2026 is already bearing fruit, with three Emaswati students set to pursue petroleum and energy-related studies in the country under scholarships secured through the visit.
The three students, Brilliance Dlamini, Junior Dalingcebo Dlamini and Temabhele Shabangu were officially bid farewell by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini ahead of their departure for Azerbaijan.
Brilliance Dlamini and Junior Dalingcebo Dlamini will pursue Bachelor of Science degrees in Petroleum Engineering, while Shabangu will undertake a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, specialising in Oil and Gas Technology.
The scholarships were awarded by the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), following the King’s visit to Baku, where he toured strategic projects, including facilities operated by the Azerbaijani energy giant.
During the visit, SOCAR pledged to support Eswatini by providing scholarships to Emaswati interested in pursuing qualifications in the petroleum and energy sector at the Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS).
The commitment has now translated into an opportunity for the three students, who were selected through a competitive process conducted after the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, through the Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC), advertised the scholarship opportunities.
Speaking during the farewell gathering, Prime Minister Dlamini congratulated the students and described the scholarships as a blessing and a demonstration of the opportunities that can emerge from international partnerships.
He encouraged the students to remain grateful to God while recognising the role played by the King in establishing and strengthening relationships that create opportunities for Emaswati.
The Prime Minister urged the students to represent Eswatini with discipline, humility and integrity throughout their stay in Azerbaijan.
He cautioned them against negative influences, particularly substance abuse, and encouraged them to respect cultural differences and make responsible decisions while abroad.
Dlamini further urged the three students to support one another and remain focused on their studies, stressing that their performance could determine whether similar opportunities are opened for future generations of Emaswati.
He also encouraged them to make faith a cornerstone of their journey and to keep the Bible close for guidance during their time away from home.
Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, also challenged the students to uphold exemplary conduct and pursue academic excellence.
Prince Lonkhokhela noted that the students’ behaviour and performance would have implications beyond their individual careers, as they would also contribute to the continued strengthening of relations between Eswatini and Azerbaijan.
Attorney General Sifiso “Mashampu” Khumalo echoed the call for discipline, dedication and excellence, reminding the students that they would effectively become ambassadors of both the King and the Kingdom while studying abroad.
The farewell gathering was also attended by the ENPC Chief Executive Officer, members of the company’s Executive Committee and the parents of the three students.
The scholarship programme marks a tangible outcome of the growing cooperation between Eswatini and Azerbaijan, particularly in the energy sector.
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