Nepal’s Digital Transformation Conclave: A New Era For a Digital Nation
17th August 2025, Kathmandu
The ‘Digital Nepal Conclave 2025 in Association with Tingting and Powered by Raindrop’ has set the stage for a new era in Nepal’s digital journey. Organized by ICT Foundation Nepal, this landmark event, held under the theme ‘Digital Synergy: Transforming Governance, Economy and Society,’ united over 600 senior officials, policymakers, and private sector leaders.
Nepal’s Digital Transformation Conclave
The discussions were not just about technology but about building a cohesive, collaborative digital ecosystem for the nation’s future.
Prime Minister’s Vision for a ‘Digital Work Center’
In a compelling ‘power dialogue’ facilitated by Sanjay Silwal Gupta, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli articulated a bold vision for Nepal. He stated that the country’s favorable location and environment could make it a “digital work center.” The Prime Minister acknowledged the new generation’s prowess in information technology and committed government support to nurture this talent. A key objective he shared was to boost the ICT sector’s contribution to the national GDP to 2% within the current fiscal year, a clear sign of the government’s focus on leveraging the digital economy for growth.
Leaders Call for Urgent Action and Interconnectivity
A ‘power panelist session’ featuring Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel and Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa, facilitated by Rupesh Shrestha, highlighted a shared sense of urgency. Finance Minister Paudel stressed the need for accountability within the tax system and pledged swift action against any improper activities.
Gagan Thapa, a powerful advocate for public service reform, emphasized the need to accelerate the pace of digital implementation. He called for a ‘faceless model’ in public service delivery, using technology to eliminate bureaucratic delays and create a more efficient, citizen-centric system. He noted that the true challenge lies not in conceptualizing ambitious plans but in their effective implementation.
The Foundational Pillars of Digital Nepal
The discussions at the conclave went deep into the technical and collaborative requirements for a successful digital transformation. Chief Secretary Ekanarayan Aryal highlighted a critical challenge: the lack of interconnectivity between government and private sector systems. He stated that “digitalization does not happen by merely typing into a computer” and that true progress requires the integration of these disparate systems.
Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung reinforced this, calling digital infrastructure a “national necessity.” He stated that the government is actively working on infrastructure and legal reforms, but stressed that “digital synergy” will only emerge through a concerted effort between the government and the private sector.
Collaboration and Innovation Driving Progress
The conclave also highlighted the crucial role of collaboration and innovation. ICT expert Manohar Bhattarai underscored the importance of political commitment, while Google’s Dr. Kyle Gardner emphasized the need for a collaborative approach involving government, the private sector, and civil society.
A significant outcome of the event was the announcement of Google’s Street View service launch in Nepal, a testament to the country’s growing digital landscape and an indicator of international investment interest.
Serving as a culmination of a series of pre-events, including the “Digital Karnali Conclave” and “Digital Madhesh Conclave,” as well as the nationwide “ICT Gyan” digital literacy campaign, the Nepal’s Digital Transformation Conclave has provided a clear roadmap. It’s a call to action for all stakeholders to move beyond talk and work together to build a truly digitally empowered nation.
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