Nepal to create 300,000 IT jobs by 2027
KATHMANDU, NEPAL — Nepal’s government has unveiled an ambitious plan to create 300,000 jobs in the information technology (IT) sector over the next three years.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung made the announcement during the inauguration of Startup and Idea Fest-2024 in Kathmandu. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to revolutionize Nepal’s IT landscape and provide employment opportunities for the country’s youth.
Government to revise IT policies, build infrastructure
Minister Gurung outlined a detailed roadmap for achieving this goal, starting with policy revisions in the first year. He stated that the government aims to introduce AI policy, prepare IT infrastructure, and allocate a budget, emphasizing that these reforms are essential for fostering a digital economy.
In the second year, the government plans to allocate funds and initiate infrastructure projects, including the construction of an IT Park and a Knowledge Park in Kathmandu.
These parks are expected to become hubs for innovation and employment generation, contributing significantly to Nepal’s digital transformation. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of Digital Nepal, which aims to make local government operations more technology-friendly.
Private sector support vital for IT job creation
The success of this initiative depends heavily on collaboration between the public and private sectors. Ajit Kumar Sah, Chairman of the IT Council, expressed optimism about the future if current efforts continue.
“Success can be achieved if the government can continue the work it is currently doing in the field of information technology,” Sah noted.
Retaining youth through policy reforms and incentives
A significant challenge facing Nepal is retaining its talented youth within the country. Pankaj Jalan, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, called on the government to implement policies that encourage young professionals to stay.
He also recommended removing VAT on digital payments, which he argued discourages tech users and entrepreneurs from fully engaging with digital platforms.
Rabindra Dhakal from the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) echoed these concerns, stressing that industrial cooperation is essential to keep youth engaged in domestic opportunities.
Digital Nepal vision to lead local-level transformation
Gurung reiterated that local governments would play a crucial role in realizing the “Digital Nepal” vision.
“We will start Digital Nepal from the local level and gradually expand it,” he said. The Startup and Idea Fest-2024, which will continue until Friday in Kathmandu, showcased various IT innovations aligned with these goals.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing unemployment while positioning Nepal as an emerging hub for technology and innovation.
