In this talk, Akobo challenges the conventional perspective on data, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize industries, economies, and societies. By drawing parallels between refineries and digital transformation, Daere explores how a shift in mindset can unlock Africa’s economic future – highlighting the need to own our data, build structured systems, drive interconnectivity, and establish a vision to create a sustainable digital economy in Africa. Daere Akobo is an Entrepreneur, Business Mentor, and Philanthropist. He is the CEO of AKD Digital Solutions Ltd and the Group CEO of an international business conglomerate. With over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, his business focus has since diversified beyond Oil and Gas to encompass a variety of industries with growth potential, including power, water, and process technology, e-commerce, telecommunications, and information technology.He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Directors, London; the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria; the Chartered Institute of Management Consultants and a Certified Management Consultant. He is a Member of the Young Presidents Organization and a member of the Forbes Business Council. His insights received considerable attention when published in the Forbes Africa-Nigeria 60th Anniversary Edition.He is an innovator at heart, driven by his life motto: "A dream without a deadline is a nightmare.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx