Nepal ranks 76th in the Global AI Diffusion Index

Kathmandu—Nepal’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been ranked below the global average, according to a study report released by Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute. While Nepal has been found to be lagging in AI adoption, a gradual increase in interest and usage has also been reported.

In the report titled “Global AI Adoption in 2025: A Widening Digital Divide,” it has been stated that AI has been increasingly placed at the center of global economic and social activity. At the same time, developing countries, including Nepal, have been shown to be falling behind in the adoption of AI technologies. The growing gap between developed and developing nations in AI usage has been flagged as a factor likely to deepen the digital divide.

Under the report’s “AI diffusion” indicator used to measure the global spread of AI usage, Nepal has been placed 76th among 147 countries. Although detailed ranking criteria have not been specified, the assessment has been carried out on the basis of generative AI use by working-age users, including the use of chatbots, digital assistants, and content-creation systems.

Nepal’s lower placement has been linked to weaknesses that have been indicated in digital infrastructure, skills development, and policy arrangements. However, within South Asia, Nepal’s AI usage and diffusion rate have been described as comparatively positive, with India being the only country in the region reported to be ahead.