Kathmandu — November 10, 2025: Nepal has inaugurated its first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre, a landmark initiative by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) designed to advance the nation’s Digital Nepal vision and integrate AI across public administration, governance, and private industry.
A Milestone in Nepal’s Digital Journey
The Centre, launched in Kathmandu by Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel, symbolizes Nepal’s entry into the global AI landscape. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Kharel emphasized that the initiative represents a “significant milestone in Nepal’s AI development,” transforming what began as a small idea into a national program.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to harnessing AI for good governance, corruption control, employment creation, and innovation, aligning with the aspirations of Nepal’s younger, tech-driven population.
“AI will be connected to good governance, corruption control, employment generation, and innovation — these are the priorities of the Gen Z Uprising,” Minister Kharel said.
Modernizing Public and Private Services
The new Centre aims to tackle long-standing administrative inefficiencies by automating repetitive tasks, improving data integrity, and addressing skill shortages in public agencies. The IT Centre, operating under the AI Centre’s umbrella, will lead policy initiatives to enhance digital service delivery and streamline both public and private operations.
“The AI Centre will help overcome human resource shortages and strengthen data reliability in the digital era,” Kharel added.
Guided by the AI Policy 2082
The establishment of the Centre follows the adoption of Nepal’s AI Policy 2082, which outlines a national framework for integrating AI into key economic and governance sectors. Joint Secretary Adesh Khadka, Chief of the IT Division, noted that the Centre will serve as both a policy think tank and implementation hub, supporting private companies interested in AI-based solutions and fostering collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
Catalyst for Innovation and Youth Empowerment
By offering training, resources, and technical guidance, the Centre seeks to cultivate local AI expertise and encourage startups to leverage emerging technologies. It will also provide a bridge for AI-driven innovation in governance, education, health, and agriculture, supporting both economic growth and transparency.
The launch reflects Nepal’s broader strategy to digitally empower citizens and prepare its economy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Despite challenges in technical capacity and infrastructure, the government views the AI Centre as the cornerstone of its long-term digital transformation.
“This is just the beginning,” Minister Kharel stated. “We will continue to strengthen this initiative to make Nepal a hub for AI innovation in South Asia.”
