Nepal's AI Policy: Digital divide and implementational challenges
Summary
Nepal's new National AI Policy aims to drive digital transformation across sectors like education, agriculture, and healthcare, emphasizing inclusivity and capacity-building. However, significant challenges such as low digital literacy, infrastructure deficits, and limited skilled personnel risk deepening the existing digital divide, especially affecting rural and marginalized communities.
Key Points
- Nepal endorsed the National AI Policy on August 14, 2025, targeting digital transformation across seven key sectors.
- The policy emphasizes inclusive AI adoption, aiming to support women and marginalized groups through targeted training and localized AI tools.
- Significant challenges to implementation include low digital and AI literacy, inadequate infrastructure, and shortage of skilled personnel, particularly in rural areas.
- The policy risks exacerbating Nepal's digital divide unless it incorporates context-specific solutions and enhances private sector collaboration.
