Nepal has been at the forefront of using drones for disaster response, starting with the 2015 earthquake when drones were used for damage assessment and emergency efforts. Drones have since contributed to disaster response in events such as the 2021 Melamchi flash flood and the 2023 Jajarkot earthquake. Recently, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority formalized drone use in disaster response by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with a national drone association.
The application of drones in Nepal has expanded beyond disaster management. They are now used to monitor and map risks associated with large infrastructure projects, including slope stabilization on the Narayanghat–Muglin Road, planning resettlement actions for irrigation modernization projects, and designing water supply systems under governance initiatives.
Drones are also finding roles in sectors like logistics, health, construction surveys, agriculture, environmental conservation, and entertainment. Increased access to affordable technology could help create jobs if effectively utilized.
However, there are challenges that limit further development of Nepal’s drone sector. The regulatory framework is outdated; structured training programs for drone professionals are lacking; and there is limited support for small businesses working with drones.
To address these issues, the World Bank launched its Drone Ecosystem Acceleration Program (DEAP) in 2023. Supported by funding from the Korea-World Bank Partnership Facility, DEAP aims to strengthen governance structures and policy frameworks while building capacity at institutional and individual levels within Nepal’s drone ecosystem.
A key part of DEAP’s strategy is education. Working with local authorities such as the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal; and Khwopa Engineering College, DEAP has recommended standardized curricula for higher education institutions (HEIs). One hundred drone operators and thirty master trainers have received instruction on piloting skills as well as data analytics and regulatory compliance.
Further technical assistance was provided to higher education bodies so they could integrate drone technology into undergraduate through short-term professional courses—an approach aligned with international best practices designed to equip future professionals with relevant digital skills.
DEAP has also supported policy dialogue aimed at advancing regulatory reform through activities like ecosystem assessments and multi-stakeholder engagements. A notable event was the first South Asia Drone Forum held in Kathmandu from April 9–11, 2025. The forum brought together over 250 participants from government agencies, private companies, academia, civil society organizations across South Asia—and facilitated partnerships between organizations such as African Drone Forum/Drone Federation of India as well as WeRobotics/Headstart Schools establishing Pakistan Flying Labs.
Knowledge sharing during these activities contributed to new draft mandates for regulating drones included in both an amended Civil Aviation Authority Bill and a revised Civil Aviation Policy.
Support for entrepreneurs was highlighted during “ELEVATE NEPAL,” a showcase held August 15–16, 2025 where seven selected SMEs received business mentorship encompassing masterclasses on design thinking; monitoring/evaluation; marketing; innovation support; strategic planning; compliance guidance; investment readiness—and innovation funding opportunities. Additionally forty-five young people participated in hands-on training sessions: twenty were chosen for three-month placements within drone companies.
“As the World Bank Group continues to back Nepal’s journey towards job-creating growth,” states the release,“drones are the development tools hovering above us with limitless possibilities of supporting local entrepreneurs, creating jobs and building resilience.” It concludes: “DEAP’s initiatives can serve as a model for other countries to replicate to pursue development through emerging technologies.”