On November 10, 2025, Nepal took a decisive step into the digital future, inaugurating its first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre in Kathmandu. The launch, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward harnessing digital technologies to transform both public and private sectors.
During a ceremony attended by government officials and technology stakeholders, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel officially opened the Centre. Standing before a modest crowd, Minister Kharel reflected on the humble origins of the initiative, remarking, "The initiative, which began in a small room, marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s AI development." According to the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), his words captured both the ambition and the pragmatism behind Nepal’s digital transformation efforts.
The creation of the National AI Centre is seen as a tangible manifestation of Nepal’s commitment to the broader vision of "Digital Nepal" and "AI-driven Digital Transformation." Minister Kharel did not mince words about the significance of the event, declaring, "The establishment of the Centre symbolizes Nepal’s commitment to advancing toward ‘Digital Nepal’ and ‘AI-driven Digital Transformation.’" He emphasized that while this is just the beginning, the government is committed to strengthening and expanding the initiative over time.
From the outset, the Centre is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating digital operations across government agencies and the private sector. The Ministry, which has been at the forefront of Nepal’s digital policy agenda, views the AI Centre as a cornerstone for a new era of governance and service delivery. Minister Kharel explained, "The AI policy is already in place, and an AI Council has been formed. Starting today, the Centre will officially begin its operations." This structure, he suggested, provides a solid foundation for the Centre to fulfill its ambitious mandate.
But what exactly does the government hope to achieve with this new Centre? Minister Kharel was clear in outlining the priorities. He expressed confidence that AI would play a vital role in promoting good governance, curbing corruption, generating employment, and fostering innovation — all of which, he noted, are key priorities of the so-called "Gen Z Uprising." As he put it, "AI would be connected to good governance and corruption control, employment generation and innovation promotion – which are agenda items of the Gen Z Uprising." For a country eager to engage its younger generations and modernize its institutions, these are not small ambitions.
The minister also highlighted the practical benefits that AI could bring to Nepal’s public administration. He pointed out that digital technologies, and AI in particular, could help address the persistent human resource shortages faced by many agencies. By automating routine tasks and improving data management, AI could free up staff to focus on more complex and strategic issues. Furthermore, Minister Kharel argued, "The use of AI would help address human resource shortages in various agencies and enhance the reliability and integrity of information in the digital era." In a world increasingly shaped by data, ensuring the accuracy and trustworthiness of information is more important than ever.
Policy innovation, too, is on the agenda. The IT Centre, now under the umbrella of the new AI Centre, will take the lead in developing and implementing policies designed to make service delivery more efficient and effective. The goal is to leverage digital technologies to streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and improve the quality of services provided to citizens and businesses alike. As Minister Kharel put it, "The IT Centre would take policy initiatives to make public and private service delivery more efficient and effective through digital technologies."
The establishment of the AI Centre is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. It comes on the heels of the adoption of a comprehensive AI Policy, known as the AI Policy, 2082. This policy provides a roadmap for the integration of AI into various sectors of the economy and lays out the government’s vision for digital transformation. Joint Secretary Adesh Khadka, Chief of the Ministry’s Information Technology Division, explained, "The AI Centre was established in line with the implementation of the AI Policy, 2082." This alignment with national policy ensures that the Centre’s activities will be coordinated with broader government objectives.
One of the Centre’s key mandates is to provide policy support and facilitation to private sector entities interested in developing and deploying AI-based services. In recent years, Nepal’s private sector has shown growing interest in digital innovation, but many companies have struggled to navigate the complex regulatory landscape. The Centre aims to bridge this gap by offering guidance, resources, and encouragement to businesses looking to harness the power of AI. According to Joint Secretary Khadka, "The Centre will provide policy support to private sector entities interested in offering AI-based services and will encourage the development of AI-related programs." By fostering collaboration between government and industry, the Centre hopes to accelerate the adoption of AI across the economy.
For many observers, the launch of the National AI Centre is a sign that Nepal is ready to join the global conversation on artificial intelligence. While the country still faces significant challenges—ranging from limited technical expertise to infrastructure constraints—the government’s willingness to invest in AI is seen as a bold and forward-thinking move. As Minister Kharel noted, "This is just the beginning of the AI Centre. We will continue to strengthen this initiative." The sense of optimism was palpable at the inauguration, with officials and attendees alike expressing hope that the Centre would become a hub for innovation and a catalyst for positive change.
Of course, questions remain about how quickly the Centre will be able to deliver on its promises. Building a robust AI ecosystem requires more than just policy pronouncements and ceremonial openings. It demands sustained investment in education, research, and infrastructure, as well as a willingness to experiment and learn from failure. Yet, as Nepal embarks on this journey, the establishment of the National AI Centre offers a powerful symbol of the country’s aspirations and its determination to embrace the opportunities of the digital age.
Looking ahead, the government’s challenge will be to translate the Centre’s lofty goals into tangible results that benefit ordinary citizens. Whether it’s through more efficient public services, new job opportunities, or greater transparency in government, the success of the National AI Centre will ultimately be measured by its impact on people’s lives. For now, though, Nepal’s leap into the world of artificial intelligence has begun—and the world will be watching to see where it leads.
