World Bank Pledges $50 Million to Support Nepal's Digital Transformation

Kathmandu. The World Bank has announced it will provide $50 million for Nepal's digital transformation. The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors recently decided in Washington to provide this assistance to Nepal under the 'Nepal Digital Transformation Project'.

Following this decision, the assistance will be utilized to strengthen Nepal's digital public infrastructure and deliver public services through digital means. This project aims to fundamentally change the framework for services provided to citizens.

Under the project, investment will be made in digital platforms such as an integrated online citizen service portal, a secure data exchange system, and a digital locker capable of managing verifiable certificates and digital wallets. To increase citizen trust in the digital economy, the project will also invest in electronic signatures (e-signature), cybersecurity, and data governance.

David Sisslen, the World Bank's Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, stated that investment in digital infrastructure will increase transparency, inclusivity, and effectiveness in service delivery.

According to him, investing in core digital platforms and digitizing services will provide smoother services to citizens and businesses. This will help promote efficiency and good governance in the public sector. This project will be implemented under a co-financing arrangement between the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Under the Full Mutual Reliance Framework, the World Bank will be the lead lender, while the ADB will serve as the trailing lender. The ADB will contribute $40 million to this project. The ADB management expects to present the project to its board in March 2026.