Prime Minister Bids Farewell to Three Students Awarded SOCAR Scholarships to Study in Azerbaijan

Mbabane, Eswatini – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini  officially bid farewell to three Emaswati students who will pursue petroleum-related studies in Baku, Azerbaijan, under scholarships awarded by the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).

The beneficiaries, Brilliance Dlamini and Junior Dalingcebo Dlamini, who will both pursue Bachelor of Science degrees in Petroleum Engineering, and Temabhele Shabangu, who will undertake a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering specialising in Oil and Gas Technology, are direct beneficiaries of the strong bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The scholarship opportunity emerged following His Majesty King Mswati III's visit to Baku in May 2026, during which His Majesty toured several strategic projects, including facilities operated by SOCAR. During the visit, SOCAR pledged to support the Kingdom by offering scholarships to Emaswati students interested in pursuing qualifications in the petroleum and energy sector at the Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS).

Following this commitment, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MNRE), working through the Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC), advertised the scholarship opportunities and undertook a competitive selection process that resulted in the appointment of the three successful candidates.

In his farewell remarks, Prime Minister Dlamini congratulated the students and wished them success as they embark on this important academic journey. He described the opportunity as a blessing and encouraged them to remain grateful to God while appreciating the role played by His Majesty King Mswati III in fostering international partnerships that continue to create meaningful opportunities for Emaswati.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the students' ability to excel and urged them to conduct themselves with discipline, humility and integrity. He reminded them to respect cultural differences, make responsible choices and avoid negative influences, particularly substance abuse.

He further encouraged the students to support one another, remain focused on their academic pursuits and strive for excellence, noting that their success could open doors for future generations of Emaswati students to benefit from the growing partnership between Eswatini and Azerbaijan.

The Prime Minister also encouraged the students to make faith a cornerstone of their journey and to keep the Bible close as a source of guidance during their studies and time abroad.

Speaking at the farewell gathering, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela, emphasised the importance of exemplary conduct, commitment and academic excellence. He noted that their performance and behaviour would contribute not only to their personal success but also to the continued strengthening of the cordial relations between Eswatini and Azerbaijan.

Attorney General Sifiso "Mashampu" Khumalo also offered words of encouragement, stressing the importance of discipline, dedication and excellence. He reminded the students that, as beneficiaries of an opportunity arising from the Kingdom's international relations, they would serve as ambassadors of both His Majesty the King and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Also present at the farewell meeting were the Chief Executive Officer of ENPC, members of the ENPC Executive Committee (EXCO), and the parents of the three students, who gathered to celebrate and support the students as they prepare to begin their studies in Azerbaijan.

The scholarship programme represents another significant milestone in the growing cooperation between Eswatini and Azerbaijan and highlights the commitment of both nations to developing skills and expertise in the energy sector.