World Bank Approves $50M for Nepal's Digital Transformation

Funding to boost digital public infrastructure and digitize government services

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has approved $50 million in financing to support Nepal's digital transformation efforts. The Nepal Digital Transformation Project will invest in core digital platforms, digitize high-impact public services, and promote trust in the digital economy through initiatives like electronic signatures and data governance.

Why it matters

This project aims to fundamentally change how public services are delivered in Nepal, making them more efficient, inclusive, and transparent. By investing in digital infrastructure and digitizing key services, the project could boost private sector investment and improve overall governance.

The details

The project will establish an integrated online citizen service portal, an integrated social registry, a secure government-wide data exchange, and a digital locker for verifiable credentials. It will also digitize land administration and other high-impact services. To promote trust, the project will invest in electronic signatures, cybersecurity, and data governance frameworks.

  • The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved the $50 million financing on February 9, 2026.
  • The Asian Development Bank is expected to present the project to their Board for consideration in March 2026.

The players

World Bank

An international financial institution that provides loans and grants to developing countries for capital programs.

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

A regional development bank that aims to promote social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific.

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

The Nepalese government ministry responsible for overseeing the country's digital transformation efforts.

Department of National ID and Civil Registration

The Nepalese government agency that will be involved in implementing the digital transformation project.

David Sislen

World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

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What they’re saying

“By investing in core digital platforms and digitalizing services, this project will help deliver enhanced services to people and businesses in an inclusive and transparent manner thereby improving service delivery, public sector efficiency, and good governance.”

— David Sislen, World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka (Mirage News)

What’s next

The Asian Development Bank's management is expected to present the project to their Board for consideration in March 2026.

The takeaway

This digital transformation project in Nepal represents a significant investment in modernizing the country's public services and infrastructure, which could improve efficiency, transparency, and private sector engagement in the digital economy.