Govt making efforts to build supportive ecosystem for youth entrepreneurship: Communication minister

KATHMANDU: Minister for Information and Communication Dr Bikram Timilsina has highlighted the government’s efforts to build a supportive ecosystem for youth entrepreneurship and innovation.

Addressing the fifth Nepal Youth Entrepreneurship Conference 2026 in Kathmandu on Friday, he said Nepal’s economic prosperity can be achieved by leveraging the knowledge, skills, creativity and technology of young people and called for increased investment in research and innovation, adding that the government must create conducive conditions and the private sector should take an active role.

Minister Timilsina noted a global rise in youth interest in entrepreneurship, which is evident in Nepal where young people are contributing across production, services and technology sectors. He urged collaboration among government, the private sector, educational institutions and other stakeholders to advance entrepreneurship and innovation.

The minister pointed to the emergence of new talent in information technology as a key opportunity for economic transformation and called for a shift in focus from exporting labour to promoting Nepali services in the global market through technological advancement. He said technology should enhance human creativity and be used as a tool to maximise human potential rather than replace it.

Timilsina also stressed that the government’s role extends beyond policy formulation to effective implementation, which is essential for benefiting citizens, entrepreneurs and the economy. He noted a change in education and skills development priorities, from formal qualifications towards skills and abilities that match future market demands, and urged preparing youth with relevant skills for entrepreneurship.

Sudan Jha, a member of the National Planning Commission, said Nepal’s position in artificial intelligence is gradually improving but remains relatively weak. He reported increased participation of Nepali youth in AI and entrepreneurship and growing investment in information technology, and he emphasised the government’s commitment to implementing AI-related policies to improve service delivery, boost economic contribution, protect data and create diverse employment opportunities.

The event was organised by the Nepal Business Institute (NBI) in collaboration with the Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CBFIN) and focused on AI, youth entrepreneurship and employment.

By RSS