Nepal Reimagined: Youth, Digital Power, and the Will to Change

The Gen Z-led protests of September 8–9 shook decades of entrenched politics, disrupted crony capitalism, and signaled that the nation’s future will no longer be dictated by the old guard. In just two days, young Nepalis proved that frustration can turn into agency and that meaningful  change  is possible  when citizens demand it.

This moment is more than political turbulence; it is a rare opportunity to reset Nepal’s governance, economy, and institutions. For years, political patronage has dictated business success, bureaucracies have operated under opaque rules, and policy shifts have been  unpredictable. The interim government now has a brief but crucial window to turn upheaval into opportunity. Modernizing tax and customs systems, digitizing public services,  and enforcing transparency can help rebuild public trust while attracting both  domestic and foreign investment.

Central to this transformation is the country's demographic dividend. Nearly 40% of the  population is under 30, brimming with energy, ideas, and entrepreneurial drive. Startups and IT exports have shown what is possible.  However, scaling innovation demands more than talent;  it requires predictable regulation, robust digital infrastructure, and targeted investment. Building a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) by linking national  IDs, banking, tax registration, and civic services  can act as a force multiplier, connecting young innovators with markets, financing, and opportunities, even in remote regions.

Nepal also needs to prioritize economic resilience  and green  growth.  Strengthening agriculture, linking small producers to high-value  markets, investing  in renewable energy, and building localized supply chains are crucial to reduce import dependence and generate sustainable livelihoods. Each smart  investment in domestic production multiplies economic impact and turns vulnerability into opportunity.

Political parties must evolve as well. Generational change  alone is not enough; internal transparency, financial accountability, and merit-based governance are essential to prevent old dysfunctions from recurring.  Similarly, the bureaucracy must embrace merit-based recruitment, lateral entry of expertise, and digital systems that minimize discretion and inefficiency.

The government must align governance reform, entrepreneurial empowerment, and digital transformation as it moves forward. Short-term measures such as transparent public finance, improved service delivery, and investment facilitation  can restore confidence. Long-term reforms in education, digital infrastructure, and green  economic strategy can unlock youth  potential, retain talent, and make Nepal more resilient to political, economic, and climate shocks.

The challenges before us are immense,  but so are the possibilities. With leadership, vision, and active citizen engagement, this moment of upheaval can become a turning point which can transform frustration into innovation, protest into policy, and potential into progress. The country that once exported its human capital now has the chance to retain its talent,  nurture ideas, and redefine its place in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Madan Lamsal
[email protected]