Nepal Plans Policy Reforms to Support Gaming and IT Startups, Says Prime Minister

Nepal is preparing policy and regulatory reforms to support its gaming and information technology industries, with a focus on helping domestic companies compete in global markets and develop into billion-dollar businesses, Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said.

In a social media post, Shah said the government would review existing regulations and policies to create a more supportive environment for technology companies seeking to expand internationally.

He highlighted the success of Nepali-developed mobile games, including Ludo, which he said has recorded around 200 million downloads worldwide, and Callbreak, with more than 150 million downloads.

Shah said hundreds of young people in Nepal were also engaged in developing gaming applications, describing the sector as an area with significant potential for growth.

According to the Prime Minister, the government has held discussions with game developers to understand the challenges they face and explore ways to make the industry more accessible and commercially viable.

He said work was underway to address those concerns and develop the gaming sector as an industry.

Shah also pointed to the growing performance of Nepal’s IT products and exports, saying the government was considering tax facilitation, policy reforms and simpler regulations governing international earnings.

He added that the government would invest in the broader technology ecosystem through game jams, startup events, hackathons and regular engagement with stakeholders, including Nepal Rastra Bank and the Ministry of Finance.

The proposed initiatives are aimed at strengthening the domestic technology industry, encouraging reinvestment and creating opportunities for Nepali companies to expand into international markets.