Anastasia Deulina, Chief Financial Officer of Afentra PLC, has underscored Africa’s critical position in the global oil and gas sector, emphasizing the continent’s necessity for a robust and sustainable industry to drive economic growth.
Speaking from her unique vantage point, Deulina argues that despite unpredictable global events, Africa’s energy needs remain a constant priority.
“No one can predict the future with certainty,” Deulina said in a recent statement. “But what we do know is that the world will continue to rely on oil and gas, and that reality isn’t shifting anytime soon. For Africa, a strong oil and gas industry is essential to support its population and fuel economic development.” She highlighted the stark contrast in perspectives, noting that while cities like London, Houston, and New York offer a global outlook, visiting places like Brazzaville, Nigeria, or Uganda reveals a more grounded reality.
Deulina pointed to Angola as a shining example, describing it as a nation with a proud heritage in oil and gas that will endure regardless of geopolitical tensions, such as those between Russia and Ukraine or the US and Canada. “At Afentra, our mission transcends creating value for shareholders or supporting our employees,” she explained. “Our primary focus is serving the people and government of Angola, where our business is deeply rooted.”
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As CFO, Deulina brings a distinctive skill set to the oil and gas industry, which she describes as unique due to its limited control over product pricing and sales. “The key for us is mitigating price risk,” she said. “At Afentra, we’ve adopted a persistent and consistent hedging strategy. As a smaller company, prudent risk management is vital to ensure financial stability, meet our obligations, and maintain peace of mind.” She emphasized the importance of capital discipline, a principle that guides the company’s rigorous approach to financial planning.
Deulina’s journey to the CFO role has been unconventional. With a background blending economics, engineering, and business rather than traditional accounting or firm experience with companies like PwC or Deloitte, she has embraced new responsibilities with enthusiasm. “Stepping into this role meant taking on duties I hadn’t specifically trained for, but it’s been a rewarding challenge,” she noted.
