Grit is necessary to start your own business and take risks, a common trait among the youth of Lebanon. Being an entrepreneur in Lebanon needs perseverance in the face of adversity, enthusiasm, and determination. Entrepreneurs in Lebanon have been facing numerous obstacles to growing or even establishing their businesses. Capital controls, an unstable economy, low visibility, political unpredictability, difficulty accessing funds, and structures that work against rather than for ambitious business owners are only a few of the many challenges every entrepreneur clash with. The explosion on August 4, 2020, added to a list of setbacks and difficulties for people striving to prosper and endure in our devastated country. Despite these challenges, young people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are currently adopting courageous actions to encourage conversation and reform on the issues that affect people’s well-being and that of society. Young people can engage in activism and involvement through entrepreneurship. The involvement of young people is heavily marginalized or wholly excluded in political systems. Instead, entrepreneurial youth oversee their success and destiny and thus develop a better future for their communities. This is a promising sign for everyone!
When we mention youth, we reflect on promising opportunities and paths, thanks to our tech-driven world. The COVID-19 pandemic has expedited the rapid digital change, expanding chances for digital inclusion. With the potential to boost household income, pull people out of poverty, and strengthen the resilience of rural communities. The exponential growth of e-commerce has given rise to new occupations and income-generating opportunities.
In the section below, you will learn more about one of the leading Lebanese youth, Kaysar Daou, perspectives regarding digitalization, social inclusion, and the status of entrepreneurship in Lebanon.
Kaysar’s Perspectives
How would you describe the intersection of social inclusion and digitalization? What gender and cultural biases are there?
Digitization is the key to social inclusion. Regarding technology, the phase we live in is the most inclusive phase with no gender bias. It is an open space for all!
How would you describe the Lebanese business Market in terms of the digital divide? Are we advanced? How many years do we need to cover to be as advanced as any other country?
With the current resources we have in Lebanon, sure, we are not advanced. We lack minimal resources and infrastructure. But in terms of “mental resources,” we are very advanced. We are creative with all the amazing initiatives and ideas, but unluckily, there is no motivation or support for youth innovation. Most start in Lebanon and go abroad for support, especially in the digital field. It is possible to advance since many are challenging the current situation with brilliant ideas, and it is working!
What challenges do young entrepreneurs face in the Middle East in general and in Lebanon in specific?
The first challenge in ME is stereotyping because of western media. The image of Arabs as inferior is challenging, yet we are witnessing improvement on that level. Lebanon has endless resources, life essentials, and stability challenges.
Tell us one example of a successful startup in the middle east and why you chose them.
I do not want to name one specific startup because we have a lot of significant innovative initiatives in the Middle East showing a high level of creativity.
What opportunities are there for the youth of the middle east in the digital economy?
Endless opportunities because this field is most in demand. Everyone is digital, and all businesses are going digital on all levels. The field is constantly evolving with new opportunities, tools, and jobs. It is the new future for anyone!
Has the pandemic impacted you positively or negatively? How?
Very positively! Without the lockdown, we would not have come up with ideas. We had time to create our business. The pandemic was the main push to come up with our current company.
Kaysar’s Bio
Kaysar is a Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Concept Artist, Animator, Video Editor, and Visual Compositor based in Lebanon. Since his school days, Kaysar has had a huge passion for art, mainly digital art. His main aim is to help corporates, NGOs, and SMEs elevate their digital presence and visualize their ideas.
Kaysar helped various reputable and prestigious regional and international NGOs, corporations, and small businesses grow and achieve their business goals. In addition to designing, Kaysar has a robust enthusiasm for digital marketing and SEO optimization. He is the Co-Founder & Creative Manager of Leoceros, a multi-disciplinary creative agency.
Kaysar and Leoceros are a great inspiration to what passion and competence look like. Entrepreneurship in Lebanon is never easy but it is still doable and successful as long as there is dedication and creativity, reading such stories of success always pushes me forward as an early entrepreneur to work on my business toward prosperity.