Digital Gandaki 2026 unveils Nepal’s sovereign AI and digital transformation roadmap

Pokhara – The highly anticipated regional technology gathering, Digital Gandaki Dialogue 2026, concluded successfully in Pokhara, bringing together technology leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss Nepal’s digital future. Organized jointly by the Gandaki Province Chapter of the Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) and CAN Federation Kaski, the event introduced a strategic roadmap aimed at accelerating Nepal’s digital economy, strengthening technological self-reliance, and advancing digital governance across the country.

The conference featured a landmark policy paper titled “Digital Gandaki Dialogue 2026: Promoting Nepal’s National IT Agenda Through Sovereign AI and Strategic Policy Advocacy,” presented by Acting President of CAN Federation and Digital Transformation Leader Mr. Chiranjibi Adhikari. The proposal outlined a comprehensive framework focused on regional technological self-sufficiency, secure digital infrastructure, and data sovereignty, emphasizing Nepal’s need to develop and control its own digital capabilities.

Praising the initiative, CAN Federation Gandaki Province President Mr. Gunanidhi (GN) Pandey described the roadmap as a visionary framework that could significantly strengthen Nepal’s digital agenda. He noted that the concept of Sovereign AI and strategic policy advocacy provides a strong foundation for both provincial and national digital transformation efforts.

Technology leaders attending the conference expressed strong support for turning the proposed roadmap into practical action. CAN Federation Kaski President Mr. Purushottam Kunwar stated that Mr. Adhikari’s vision effectively bridges the gap between policy formulation and implementation, adding that CAN Kaski remains fully committed to helping transform the roadmap into reality. Similarly, ICT Cooperative Pokhara President Ms. Sabee Sherchan highlighted the importance of the discussions on internet infrastructure, digital payments, and secure digital governance, saying they would contribute significantly to local technological development.

During the event, CAN Federation presented a five-point actionable policy roadmap to the government. The recommendations include advocating for a 1 percent corporate tax rate for domestic IT companies, giving mandatory priority to Nepal-made software in public procurement, deploying local-language large language models (LLMs) for government services, introducing a National Minimum Security Standard (NMSS) with mandatory security audits for local government portals, and establishing green data centers and ICT innovation labs in Pokhara by utilizing Gandaki Province’s hydropower resources.

The conference also highlighted key findings from the national report titled “Digital Governance in Palika and Provinces: Efforts and Practices.” According to the report, analysis of more than 434 local governments revealed that nearly 6 percent of ward offices still lack electricity access, while approximately 5 percent remain without internet connectivity. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening Data for Decision Making (D4D) systems to address these gaps and support evidence-based governance.

Concluding the event, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Nepal’s digital transformation agenda through collaboration between federal, provincial, and local governments. Organizers expressed confidence that the Digital Gandaki Dialogue 2026 will serve as an important milestone in shaping Nepal’s future as a digitally empowered nation driven by innovation, secure technology, and inclusive growth.