Digital Ecosystem Country Assessment (DECA): Nepal
USAID, Digital Frontiers Project (2022), 92 pp.
Contains 37 figures, 16 boxes, acronyms pp. 6-7, glossary pp. 85, bibliogr. pp. 87-92
"Nepal’s digital ecosystem does not yet meet the needs of all Nepalis and runs the risk of falling further behind. Over the past decade, mobile phones, and mobile internet have become increasingly widespread in Nepal; however, the government’s capacity to implement digital policies and solutions has not kept pace with Nepalis’ embrace of the internet. In the coming years, equitable access for all Nepalis, establishment of internet connectivity in remote areas, and safe internet use practices for the digitalization of Nepal’s economy are just some of the key challenges that the country will face." (Executive summary)
SECTION I: BACKGROUND, 12
SECTION II: DECA FINDINGS, 14
PILLAR 1: DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ADOPTION, 14
Mobile Phone and Internet Connectivity in Nepal, 14
Digital Divides, 23
PILLAR 2: DIGITAL SOCIETY, RIGHTS, AND GOVERNANCE, 28
Internet Freedom: Making Good on the Promise of Democracy, 29
Digital Government: Limited Capacity and Unrealized Potential, 34
PILLAR 3: DIGITAL ECONOMY, 43
Digital Financial Inclusion, 44
E-Commerce: A Sector with Great Potential, 48
Digital Payments Are on the Rise in Parts of Nepal, 52
Agriculture Presents Unrealized Opportunity, 60
Burgeoning Startup Ecosystem and Digital Talent Pool, 61
SECTION III: RECOMMENDATIONS, 62
1. Build an Alliance for Digital Nepal to Forge Partnerships Between Government and Stakeholders, 64
2. Engage the Private Sector to Enable Last-Mile DFS Solutions, 67
3. Inform Government Understanding and Application of Cybersecurity, 69
4. Unlock the Potential for E-Commerce, 70
5. Catalyze Increased Digitization in Agriculture, 72
6. Build a Highly Skilled Digital Talent Pool, 73
7. Bridge the Gender Digital Divide, 75
8. Support and Strengthen Civil Society, 76
9. Advise on Effective Implementation of Key E-Government Initiatives, Such as the National Digital ID System, 77
10. Foster a Culture of Data-Driven Decision Making, 79
APPENDICES, 80
SECTION II: DECA FINDINGS, 14
PILLAR 1: DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ADOPTION, 14
Mobile Phone and Internet Connectivity in Nepal, 14
Digital Divides, 23
PILLAR 2: DIGITAL SOCIETY, RIGHTS, AND GOVERNANCE, 28
Internet Freedom: Making Good on the Promise of Democracy, 29
Digital Government: Limited Capacity and Unrealized Potential, 34
PILLAR 3: DIGITAL ECONOMY, 43
Digital Financial Inclusion, 44
E-Commerce: A Sector with Great Potential, 48
Digital Payments Are on the Rise in Parts of Nepal, 52
Agriculture Presents Unrealized Opportunity, 60
Burgeoning Startup Ecosystem and Digital Talent Pool, 61
SECTION III: RECOMMENDATIONS, 62
1. Build an Alliance for Digital Nepal to Forge Partnerships Between Government and Stakeholders, 64
2. Engage the Private Sector to Enable Last-Mile DFS Solutions, 67
3. Inform Government Understanding and Application of Cybersecurity, 69
4. Unlock the Potential for E-Commerce, 70
5. Catalyze Increased Digitization in Agriculture, 72
6. Build a Highly Skilled Digital Talent Pool, 73
7. Bridge the Gender Digital Divide, 75
8. Support and Strengthen Civil Society, 76
9. Advise on Effective Implementation of Key E-Government Initiatives, Such as the National Digital ID System, 77
10. Foster a Culture of Data-Driven Decision Making, 79
APPENDICES, 80
