DOT Lebanon

Learning about the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lebanon

Mustafa Dasuki’s is passionate about education. “Education is the key to a better future, and should be given to everyone in the world. But education is not just about building a career, it’s about opening your mind to the wonders of the universe,” he says.

He loves learning and approaches the world with curiosity. As a digital coach for DOT Lebanon, Mustafa is able to share his love of learning with others, and has also learned about an entirely new domain: entrepreneurship.

It all started in 2015, when DOT Lebanon offered Mustafa, who was working with DOT as a digital champion helping teachers integrate technology into local schools, an invitation to attend the ArabNet Digital Summit, a conference for digital business and entrepreneurship.

“This was the first time in which I started learning about the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lebanon,” says Mustafa. “It opened my mind to the possibilities that are out there. I started thinking about ideas and developing apps that might be viable in the market.”

After the conference, Mustafa learned as much as he could about technologies like holograms and 3-D projection mapping. Seeing his interest in digital entrepreneurship, DOT Lebanon provided him with more learning opportunities and expanded his network of entrepreneurs and innovators.
“DOT became like a family that nurtured the entrepreneur in me,” says Mustafa.

Mustafa entered business competitions with his idea for a media and entertainment agency offering video and livestream holograms, 3-D projection mapping, and animations. The idea was a hit: he won two competitions.

As Mustafa developed Off the Wall, his media agency, he also continued his work with DOT as digital champion at a public secondary school for girls in Tripoli. As a coach and champion he shares his love of learning with teachers, who are equipped with digital technology skills for use in the classroom.

Thanks to Mustafa, teachers like Fatat el Mawlawi, a 63-year-old philosophy teacher, have begun using LCD projectors, laptops and interactive digital boards in their classrooms.

“I am now so happy with the use of technology as I see a lot of benefits. Students are so engaged,” says Fatat. “This is the century of technology and we should embrace it.”

Mustafa’s work as a digital champion sharpens his skills as an entrepreneur. As a facilitator, Mustafa has improved his communication skills and his ability to work with a wide range of people, essential skills when working with clients. Because of the nature of working at a school in a conflict zone, he has also learned to be adaptable and find ways to solve problems, which is important for all entrepreneurs.

Today, Off the Wall offers products and services including pre-produced and live stream video holograms, 3D projection mapping, and animations. “We are the only company now that can deliver livestream holograms in any size to the market, making us a leader in this industry,” says Mustafa.

With DOT’s support, Mustafa has turned hard work and curiosity into a successful and innovative business. For him, the key to success is to keep learning.

“I started learning new things since day one with DOT. Being a trainer, then a senior teacher facilitator, gave me a lot of confidence that I will always value and cherish.”

“This was the first time in which I started learning about the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lebanon. It opened my mind to the possibilities that are out there. I started thinking about ideas and developing apps that might be viable in the market”