Nepal SDG Financing Strategy 2024-2030: NPR 299 Trillion Investment Needed

20th April 2025, Kathmandu

The National Planning Commission (NPC) of Nepal has released a revised strategy for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.

Nepal SDG Financing Strategy

The document, titled “Sustainable Development Goals: Needs Assessment, Cost Estimation, and Financial Strategy 2081”, builds on the 2018 strategy. It addresses new challenges and opportunities that have arisen since then.

Key Investment Needs

The updated strategy reveals that Nepal will need approximately NPR 299.65 trillion to meet the SDGs between 2024 and 2030. This means an average annual investment of NPR 30.23 trillion. The largest investment will be required in sectors such as industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Following that, significant funds will also be needed for clean energy and poverty eradication.

Public and Private Sector Contributions

The strategy outlines how different sectors will contribute to funding the SDGs. The public sector is expected to provide 57.5% of the required investment. The central government will take the largest share, contributing 70%, while provincial governments will provide 9%, and local governments will cover 21%. Meanwhile, the private sector will contribute 34.35%, and cooperatives and NGOs are expected to provide 4.18%. Households will contribute 3.95% of the total investment.

Identified Financial Gap

Despite these planned contributions, the strategy highlights a significant financial gap. There is an expected shortfall of NPR 755 billion annually, which is 11.1% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This gap is especially evident in areas like infrastructure, sustainable cities, education, healthcare, and water and sanitation.

Strategic Measures for Closing the Gap

To close this financial gap, the NPC has proposed a series of measures. These include revising macroeconomic policies, improving sectoral policies, and prioritizing SDG-related projects. Additionally, the strategy calls for improving revenue mobilization and optimizing the use of foreign aid. The efficiency of public spending must also be enhanced. Finally, the strategy stresses the importance of forming strategic partnerships to mobilize additional resources.

Cooperation for Success

The NPC has emphasized that achieving the SDGs will not be possible without strong cooperation and coordination. All levels of government, from central to local, need to work together. Similarly, partnerships with other stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and international organizations, are crucial for success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the National Planning Commission’s updated strategy outlines Nepal’s financial needs to implement the SDGs from 2024 to 2030. While the strategy anticipates a significant financial gap, it also presents a clear roadmap for overcoming these challenges. By revising policies, prioritizing key sectors, and improving financial strategies, Nepal can make substantial progress toward achieving the SDGs. However, success will depend on collaboration among all sectors of society.

For more: Nepal SDG Financing Strategy