4th March 2025, Kathmandu
The Computer Association of Nepal Federation (CAN Federation) has successfully concluded its 2025-2027 Strategic Planning Meeting, with a strong vision to position Nepal as a Global IT Hub.
CAN Federation’s Strategic Plan
The meeting, held on the 16th and 17th of Falgun in Hetauda, Makwanpur, aimed to strengthen Nepal’s IT sector through policy advocacy, innovation, and international collaborations.
Key Policy and Strategic Initiatives
The meeting focused on major policy reforms and initiatives to accelerate Nepal’s digital transformation. CAN Federation President Sunaina Ghimire Pandey presented a detailed strategic action plan, emphasizing:
Reform existing policies to facilitate Digital Nepal development.
Encouraging tech research and development (R&D).
Strengthening international partnerships to attract foreign investments.
Enacting key legislative measures, including the Data Protection Act, E-Governance Blueprint, Ride-Sharing Act, Don NP Policy, and Industry 4.0 roadmap.
Enhancing cybersecurity to mitigate risks and improve Nepal’s digital resilience.
Promoting ‘Made in Nepal’ software and services in the global market.
Standardizing ICT policies and establishing an IT Board.
Amending labor laws to support the IT workforce and passing the IT Bill.
Revising broadband internet taxation for better accessibility.
Empowering Startups, FDI, and Women in Tech
To drive economic growth in Nepal’s IT industry, the CAN Federation is advocating for:
Up to 5% share allocation in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for IT businesses.
Tax incentives for IT companies to boost entrepreneurship.
Support for tech startups through incubation programs.
Industry-relevant skill development programs via finishing schools.
Women’s empowerment through ICT-driven initiatives.
Global Competitiveness and Digital Economy Growth
The Federation also aims to make Nepali IT businesses globally competitive through:
Organizing Startup Summits, Innovation Summits, and Software Summits.
Encouraging industry-academic collaborations to bridge the skill gap.
Enhancing digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness at provincial and local levels.
Promoting e-waste management to ensure sustainable tech practices.
Branding CAN Federation internationally to position Nepal as a tech destination.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Prominent leaders at the meeting shared valuable insights. Immediate Past President Ranjit Kumar Poddar emphasized the need for digital literacy, innovation, and global partnerships to enhance Nepal’s economic contribution.
Vice President Chiranjibi Adhikari advocated for IT-friendly policies and proposed AI integration strategies to the government.
Vice President Subash Khadka stressed the importance of industry-academia collaboration.
Vice Presidents Harka Bahadur Seti and Shekharnath Dulal highlighted cybersecurity awareness and IT project funding.
Vice President Srijana Shrestha focused on R&D and e-waste management.
Secretary Sarita Neupane called for women’s empowerment in IT.
Executive Committee Member Keshav Bhattarai urged for high-quality IT products over refurbished imports.
Way Forward
The two-year strategic roadmap is set to bring impactful changes to Nepal’s IT ecosystem. The CAN Makwanpur Chapter hosted a special welcome dinner for committee members, fostering strong collaboration among industry leaders.
About CAN Federation
Founded in 1992, the CAN Federation is Nepal’s premier IT umbrella organization, representing tech professionals, businesses, and institutions. Since 2015, it has played a crucial role in policy advocacy, industry growth, and digital transformation in Nepal’s IT sector.
With a commitment to shaping Nepal’s digital future, the CAN Federation continues to drive innovation, investment, and policy reforms to establish Nepal as a leading Global IT Hub.