Nepal’s Entrepreneurship Opportunity for Inclusive National Growth

Abstract

Background: Business has shifted to knowledge. It has a young population, rich natural and cultural resources, growing digital connectivity, and a large diaspora, with opportunities in tourism, hydropower, agriculture, IT, creative industries, and social enterprise. 

Objective: To assess how entrepreneurship can drive employment, innovation, local development, and national prosperity in Nepal, and to propose actions that mobilize domestic and diaspora resources.

Method: Narrative synthesis of entrepreneurship theory, Nepal-focused studies, and evidence from the ILO, World Bank, ADB, and Government of Nepal.

Results: Entrepreneurship can create jobs, boost productivity, and solve local problems through place-based ventures. Diaspora engagement offers knowledge, networks, mentorship, and capital to scale Nepali products and access markets. Key barriers are finance, regulation, infrastructure, and skills gaps.

Conclusion: Treat entrepreneurship as a national development strategy, not merely an individual choice. A coordinated “global Nepali entrepreneurship” movement—uniting citizens, diaspora, government, universities, private sector, and civil society—can convert local challenges into scalable opportunities and accelerate inclusive growth.