The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has introduced a new seven-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Nepal, emphasizing job creation and resilience to natural disasters, including those related to climate change. This framework was discussed on May 29, 2025.
David Sislen, the World Bank Country Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, stated that "creating jobs is not just at the heart of our mission, it is also the lifeline that can drive Nepal’s sustainable and resilient growth." He added that the CPF builds on over six decades of partnership between the World Bank Group and Nepal and will utilize development partner collaboration and private sector solutions to stimulate growth, job creation, and investments.
The World Bank Group plans to allocate approximately $2.7 billion under this framework to achieve outcomes such as creating more jobs, improving connectivity and access to services, and enhancing resilience against natural disasters and climate risks. In the short term, policy reforms will focus on growth sectors like tourism, digital connectivity, and integrated urban development.
The CPF aims to foster an investment-friendly environment by implementing reforms that encourage private sector-driven growth. Enhancing digital connectivity for improved productivity and governance is also a priority. Urban centers like Kathmandu Valley are targeted for competitiveness improvements to realize their potential as tourist destinations.
Imad N. Fakhoury from IFC highlighted support for Nepal in creating jobs, enhancing disaster preparedness, mobilizing capital through public-private partnerships, and strengthening institutional capacity. "The World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework will guide our efforts in advancing reforms that will unlock private sector investment," he said.
Şebnem Erol Madan from MIGA emphasized commitment to supporting Nepal's development goals by providing political risk insurance. "By mitigating investment risks," she noted, "MIGA aims to attract private sector investments crucial for creating jobs."
The CPF is informed by analytical evaluations and consultations with stakeholders across all provinces alongside Nepal's national development priorities outlined in its 16th Plan.