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

Kathmandu — The World Bank has agreed to provide $50 million to support Nepal’s digital transformation. The decision was approved recently by the World Bank’s Executive Board in Washington under the “Nepal Digital Transformation Project.”

With this approval, the funding will be mobilized to strengthen Nepal’s digital public infrastructure and to deliver public services through digital platforms.

The project aims to bring fundamental changes to the way services are delivered to citizens. Investments will be made in digital platforms such as an integrated online citizen service portal, secure data exchange systems, and a digital locker that allows for the management of verifiable certificates and digital wallets.

To build public trust in the digital economy, the project will also invest in electronic signatures (e-signatures), cybersecurity, and data governance.

David Sislen, the World Bank’s Division Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, said that investment in digital infrastructure would enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and efficiency in service delivery. According to him, strengthening core digital platforms and digitizing services will make public services more accessible to citizens and businesses, while also improving public-sector efficiency and governance.

The project will be implemented under a joint co-financing arrangement between the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Under the Full Mutual Reliance Framework, the World Bank will serve as the lead financier, while ADB will act as a trailing co-financier.

ADB will contribute an additional $40 million to the project. Its management is expected to present the project to its board in March 2026.