Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has initiated the process of revising the Digital Nepal Framework, originally introduced in 2019, to align with current technological advancements and national priorities. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) has released a draft of Digital Nepal Framework 2.0, aiming to address challenges faced in implementation and improve Nepal’s digital transformation strategy.

Why is the Framework Being Revised?

The original Digital Nepal Framework was designed to drive economic transformation through digital initiatives in eight key sectors: Digital Foundation, Agriculture, Health, Education, Energy, Tourism, Finance, and Urban Infrastructure. However, its implementation faced setbacks due to:
Lack of coordination among responsible agencies
Insufficient budget allocation
Limited technical expertise

To overcome these obstacles, Digital Nepal Framework 2.0 introduces major improvements, focusing on practical implementation and high-impact initiatives.

Key Changes in Digital Nepal Framework 2.0

The revised framework shifts from the previous eight-sector approach to a “FAST” strategy, which prioritizes:
Future-Ready Digital Foundations – Expanding digital infrastructure and high-speed internet access.
Access to Digital Services – Ensuring easy and widespread use of digital services.
Skills and Digital Literacy – Strengthening IT skills and digital awareness.
Transformation of Digital Economy – Promoting innovation, e-commerce, and digital entrepreneurship.

This new approach identifies the most essential projects in each sector and ensures a stronger foundation for digital growth.

Major Focus Areas

Digital Infrastructure Development – Building secure, scalable, and sustainable data hosting solutions.
Improved Access to Digital Services – Enhancing government digital services for citizens.
Skill Development – Training IT professionals, upgrading government employees’ digital skills, and expanding digital literacy programs.
Boosting Digital Economy – Encouraging innovation, supporting e-commerce growth, and implementing environmentally friendly policies like green procurement and electronic waste management.

Addressing Implementation Challenges

To ensure smooth execution, the draft framework proposes the creation of a Digital Transformation Council, led by the Minister of Communication and Information Technology. This council will:
✔ Monitor project progress
✔ Solve coordination challenges between agencies
✔ Ensure policy consistency

The council will include relevant ministries, secretaries, and a dedicated team, reporting directly to the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.

Emerging Technologies in Focus

Digital Nepal Framework 2.0 explicitly includes advanced Industry 4.0 technologies such as:
5G – Enhancing high-speed internet connectivity
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Driving automation and smart solutions
Internet of Things (IoT) – Connecting devices for better efficiency

Public Consultation and Feedback

The draft was released on March 25, 2025, on the MoCIT website, and stakeholders are invited to submit feedback within seven days via:
info@mocit.gov.np or it.section@mocit.gov.np

With these updates, Nepal aims to create an economically resilient, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable digital ecosystem, ensuring the country remains competitive in the global digital landscape.