Lekhan Kala
Kathmandu, Nepal
The World Bank is strengthening its support for Nepal, focusing on education, job creation, infrastructure, and climate resilience in its new partnership framework.
The World Bank currently supports 22 active development projects in Nepal, totaling approximately US$2.3 billion. These investments promote education, health, transportation, agriculture, energy, water resources, and public financial management.
The World Bank places education at the center of its work in Nepal. Through the School Sector Transformation Program and other human capital initiatives, the Bank aims to improve learning outcomes, enhance teaching quality, expand digital education, and extend access to disadvantaged communities.
The World Bank’s new Country Partnership Framework (2025–2031) establishes three main goals for Nepal: creating more and better jobs, improving connectivity and access to services, and strengthening resilience to climate change and natural disasters. The framework aligns with Nepal’s 16th Development Plan and supports sustainable economic growth and stronger public institutions.
The organization emphasizes that investing in human capital is essential for Nepal’s future economic competitiveness. Recent World Bank research highlights the need to nurture Nepali talent, improve educational quality, and equip young people with skills for a changing labor market.
World Bank officials note that Nepal has made remarkable progress in education over the past several decades. While literacy rates were extremely low in the 1950s and children had limited access to school, today nearly all children attend primary school, and the country has achieved gender parity in primary education.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Learning quality, digital access, infrastructure development, and the retention of skilled youth remain major concerns. The World Bank has stated that investments in education, technology, and employment opportunities will be essential to ensuring Nepal’s long-term prosperity.
Ongoing collaboration between the Government of Nepal and international development partners, such as the World Bank, is key to building a more inclusive and resilient society.
References
- World Bank Nepal Country Overview
- World Bank Nepal Country Page
- World Bank Nepal Education Statistics
- World Bank IDA Nepal Achievements
