Not Started Technology Commitments 2026

Cryptocurrency Regulation & Pilot

Crypto remains COMPLETELY ILLEGAL in Nepal as of 2026. Trading, mining, and promoting banned under Foreign Exchange Act 1962, Electronic Transaction Act 2063, and National Penal Code 2017. Penalties: up to 3x fines, 3 years prison, asset seizure. 50+ arrests in 2024-2025. NRB exploring CBDC (Digital Rupee) with pilot testing for 2026 launch. Nepal ranks near bottom of Global Crypto Adoption Index. Position closer to China/Bangladesh than India/USA. No sign of legalization despite youth demand.

$30 Billion IT Exports in 10 Years

Target $30 billion in IT services exports within 10 years through talent development and incentives

Autonomous IT Promotion Board

NOT YET ESTABLISHED. Industry leaders (NAS-IT) calling for dedicated IT Promotion Board similar to Nepal Tourism Board, with private sector participation. Industrial Promotion Board exists under Industrial Enterprises Act but is general-purpose, not IT-specific. NAST (Nepal Academy of Science and Technology) exists since 1982 but focuses on science broadly. National AI Centre established 2025 but under Ministry, not autonomous. No legislation drafted for standalone autonomous IT board.

International Payment Gateway Access

Neither PayPal nor Stripe officially available in Nepal as of Mar 2026. Blocked by NRB foreign exchange restrictions, lack of regulatory partnership, and AML/KYC compliance gaps. NRB Deputy Governor confirmed bank sought contact with PayPal but no agreement. Nepal Digital Economy Framework aims to attract international gateways by mid-2026 to early-2027. Workarounds: prepaid USD cards ($500/year limit via Nabil, Global IME, NMB banks), Payoneer, Skrill, Wise. Fonepay exploring international gateway integration.