BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – His Majesty King Mswati III has held high-level discussions with the leadership of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), during a visit focused on possible partnerships to develop Eswatini’s petroleum industry.
The King met SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf, where the two sides explored wide-ranging cooperation that could see the Azerbaijani firm play a central role in developing the petroleum sector in the kingdom.
The company was briefed on the building of a strategic fuel reserve by Eswatini, beginning with two months’ storage capacity and scaling up over time. The company was asked to look into supplying the country with the finished product.
His Majesty highlighted how the country will be leveraging its human capital, while drawing parallels to the developmental paths of other countries, which started with two months’ storage capacity but have grown to become giants in the industry. The country made it known that its ultimate goal is to have an oil refinery that will service the whole of Africa.
President Najaf expressed SOCAR’s readiness to partner with Eswatini, exploring the supply of petroleum products and various financing options.
SOCAR has also indicated willingness to provide extensive technical assistance in the preparation of a comprehensive Master Plan for the sector – an Energy Master Plan encompassing renewables and adherence to the highest environmental standards. Capacity-building initiatives, such as specialised training, were also discussed.
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EmaSwati to enrol at Baku Oil University
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – His Majesty King Mswati III has announced that students from Eswatini will begin enrolling at one of Baku’s leading oil and gas universities from next year, as the kingdom deepens ties with Azerbaijan in the energy sector.
The King made the announcement during a visit to Baku Higher Oil School University, where he was warmly received as part of high-level engagements focused on human capital development and petroleum industry cooperation.
Speaking at the institution, which has grown from humble beginnings into one of the world’s foremost universities specialising in oil and gas, His Majesty expressed delight at the calibre of training offered.
“We are delighted to visit this facility which has been growing for many years and today trains a large number of talented young people, particularly those specialising in the oil and gas industry,” he said.
His Majesty emphasised the transformative power of properly managed natural resources, noting how Azerbaijan’s oil and gas sector had significantly advanced the country’s economy.
He highlighted the importance of building local expertise to manage Eswatini’s own emerging petroleum ambitions, including the development of a strategic oil reserve.
The Monarch, who also serves as Chairman of the University Council in Eswatini, said that although no emaSwati students are currently enrolled, concrete steps will be taken to ensure enrolment begins next year. He expressed confidence that Eswatini students would benefit immensely from the university’s world-class programmes.
His Majesty further revealed that Eswatini is looking to establish strong exchange programmes with the institution and is actively seeking partnerships to train young emaSwati in petroleum-related fields.
The visit forms part of broader efforts to prepare Eswatini’s youth to manage future oil and gas infrastructure, including strategic fuel reserves currently under development.
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