CAN unveils 5-point plan to make Nepal a Global Digital Powerhouse

Kathmandu: The acting president of the Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation), Chiranjivi Adhikari, has officially assumed office, pledging a bold roadmap to strengthen Nepal’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector and position the country as a “global digital powerhouse.”

Taking charge of the country’s apex ICT umbrella organization, Adhikari said he accepts the responsibility with humility and a strong commitment to driving structural and policy-level reforms in Nepal’s technology ecosystem.“Our journey begins today. Let us all stakeholders come together and make Nepal a global digital powerhouse in technology,” he said.

He emphasized that Nepal’s rapidly growing IT sector deserves stronger institutional recognition and support, noting that it is already creating significant employment opportunities for young people but has yet to be fully recognized as an official industry.

Five-Point Digital Transformation Agenda

CAN has announced a five-point policy framework aimed at addressing key challenges in the sector and accelerating digital transformation in Nepal.

The first priority is the formal recognition of the IT sector as an industry, along with the development of a strong Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance framework to ensure safe, ethical, and responsible use of emerging technologies.Secondly, CAN has pledged to prioritize Nepali-made software and digital solutions in both government and private sector operations, arguing that domestic innovation should be encouraged to strengthen national competitiveness.

The third focus area is the development of Nepal’s startup ecosystem. The federation plans to advocate for better access to funding, mentorship, and scaling opportunities for young entrepreneurs working in the technology sector.Fourth, CAN has called for a shift in government policy, urging the state to act as a major buyer of technology services rather than a competitor in software development. It argues that government-led software production can limit healthy market competition and hinder private sector growth Finally, the federation has proposed a unified IT Umbrella Act to replace outdated regulations, alongside tax incentives for IT businesses and improved international digital payment systems to make the sector more globally competitive.CAN stated that these reforms are essential to building a strong, self-reliant, and globally competitive digital economy in Nepal.