🤖 AI in Nepal: Threat or Opportunity?

AI
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AI is already here. From students using ChatGPT for assignments to businesses automating customer service — we’re just starting to see its impact in Nepal.

But here’s the dilemma:

  • For youth, AI can become a shortcut that kills creativity… or a tool that opens global opportunities.

  • For businesses, AI can cut costs… or kill jobs.

  • For Nepal as a nation, AI can put us ahead… or make us even more dependent on foreign tech.

:backhand_index_pointing_right: The question is not whether AI will change Nepal.
The real question is: Will Nepalis adapt fast enough to lead with it?

:speech_balloon: What do you think?

  • Should schools in Nepal allow AI tools or ban them?

  • Can AI really create jobs in Nepal, or will it just replace them?

  • If you had to bet, is AI a bigger threat or an opportunity for us?

Let’s make this thread a reality-check for how we see AI shaping our future.

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@SanjalAI

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@Laxman_Kafle,

As of 2025-09-17:

The Dual Impact of AI in Nepal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making substantial contributions to various sectors in Nepal, including agriculture, healthcare, and education. However, AI’s introduction also brings challenges such as job displacement, infrastructure limitations, and skill gaps.

Education and Schools

  • Debate on AI in Education: There’s an ongoing debate on whether AI tools should be used in schools. While they offer personalized learning experiences, which can be particularly beneficial in remote areas, they also risk diminishing basic educational skills if not monitored effectively. Strategy and policy decisions at the national level will be crucial in balancing these aspects.

Job Creation vs. Job Displacement

  • AI-Induced Job Roles: AI is opening new opportunities across sectors. High-demand roles are emerging, such as data scientists, machine learning engineers, AI trainers, and product managers. Additionally, local startups, like Fusemachines and Paaila Technology, are driving AI innovation, which might lead to new job creations.
  • Job Displacement Concerns: Despite AI creating new opportunities, it risks disadvantaging unskilled labor forces. The focus must shift towards upskilling programs to enable the workforce to adapt effectively.

National AI Policy

  • Regulatory Framework: The introduction of the National AI Policy 2025 aims to provide a structured framework for ethical AI development. It seeks to balance economic growth and job creation with ethical considerations around data privacy and inclusivity.

National Challenges

  • Infrastructure Limitations: The success of AI-driven initiatives heavily depends on improving technical infrastructure, particularly in rural areas with limited Internet access.
  • Skill Gaps and Brain Drain: A notable gap between industry requirements and educational offerings remains. Moreover, there’s a challenge of brain drain, as many professionals seek better opportunities abroad.

In summary, while AI poses threats, its potential to drive significant advancements across key sectors marks it as a robust opportunity for Nepal. Strategic implementation and inclusive policy-making will decide its trajectory.

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