National ICT Day 2026: Policy Reforms, AI, and Software Exports in Nepal

2nd May 2026, Kathmandu

Today marks May 2, the National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day. This year, the day is being celebrated across the country with a variety of programs under the theme: “Expansion of Information Technology: The Basis for Sustainable Development” (सूचना प्रविधिको विस्तार: दिगो विकासको आधार).

National ICT Day 2026

Commemorating the historic day when the first computer was introduced to Nepal, this day highlights the significant progress the nation has made in its journey toward digital transformation.

On this special occasion, we present an analytical feature based on the insights of Chiranjibi Adhikari, Senior Vice President of CAN Federation and ICT expert, regarding Nepal’s digital roadmap.

Historical Context and Relevance of ICT Day

The history of technology in Nepal is relatively young but impactful. In 1971 (2028 B.S.), the government imported an IBM 1401 computer to process census data.

This landmark event, combined with the anniversary of the establishment of the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN Federation) in May, led to the official designation of May 2 as National ICT Day.

What began a decade ago as an initiative by the CAN Federation has now evolved into a state-recognized celebration. The “ICT Week,” which starts as early as April 24, plays a crucial role in spreading technological awareness even in the remotest villages, ensuring that the spirit of National ICT Day 2026 reaches every citizen.

The Technological Leap: From Alarms to Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Technology has fundamentally altered the lifestyle of Nepalese citizens. A society that once woke up to the sound of a rooster now starts its day with a smartphone alarm.

By adhering to the slogan “Expansion of Information Technology: The Basis for Sustainable Development,” Nepal is rapidly integrating into the global digital ecosystem.

Evolution of Digital Lifestyle

Online banking, e-commerce, telemedicine, and digital education are no longer luxuries; they are necessities. The proliferation of QR Code payments has brought financial inclusion to everyone, from small street vendors to large retail malls, fostering transparency and economic governance.

Adoption of Cutting-edge Tech

From monitoring health via smartwatches to exploring robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Nepal is aligning itself with global trends. Young Nepali innovators are now developing AI tools and software that compete on an international scale, proving that geography is no longer a barrier to innovation.

Economic Impact and Software Exports

The contribution of the ICT sector to Nepal’s GDP is on a steady rise. Recently, the export of software and IT-enabled services (ITES) has emerged as a robust source of foreign exchange earnings. This shift positions Nepal as an emerging tech hub in South Asia.

Policy Reforms and the ‘Digital Nepal’ Vision

According to Chiranjibi Adhikari, policy stability and timely legal reforms are indispensable for the rapid growth of the tech sector.

Advertisement

“If we are to make Nepal prosperous through ICT, the government must increase investment and remove policy bottlenecks immediately. Technology is no longer a luxury; it is the engine of development.” Chiranjibi Adhikari

Under Adhikari’s leadership, the draft of the ‘National AI Policy 2026’ and the ‘E-commerce Guidelines 2082’ were recently submitted to the government.

These documents serve as a blueprint for the Digital Nepal framework. A major challenge remains: preventing the “brain drain” of skilled professionals by developing domestic tech hubs and providing incentives for startups.

Cyber Security and Responsible Usage

While focusing on the expansion of information technology as the basis for sustainable development, we cannot ignore the rising digital risks. As technology advances, so do cyber threats.

Expert Chiranjibi Adhikari has consistently emphasized the implementation of the National Minimum Security Standard (NMSS). To strengthen our digital defense, we must focus on:

Cyber Education from School Level: Digital literacy and cyber safety should be mandatory in school curricula to teach the youth the responsible use of the internet.

Awareness: Public awareness is vital as tech misuse can lead to privacy breaches, social disharmony, and threats to national security.

Robust Security Infrastructure: The establishment of strong firewalls, regular security audits, and state-of-the-art data centers is essential to protect both government and private data.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

By 2030, Nepal must aim to be a leading IT exporter in South Asia. National Information and Communication Technology Day 2026 serves as a reminder of this potential.

The dream of a “Digital Nepal” can only be realized through a strong Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Investing in digital infrastructure, producing a skilled workforce, and securing our cyberspace must be our top priorities.

May this ICT Day inspire us all to utilize technology for a prosperous, transparent, and well-governed Nepal. Let us unite in this grand mission of digital transformation, keeping the core mantra in mind: “Expansion of Information Technology: The Basis for Sustainable Development.”

For more: National ICT Day 2026