Nepal

Nepal's economy relies heavily on remittancemostly from unskilled labour migrants, and agriculture which is predominantly subsistence. There are opportunities for Nepal to capitalise on its resource endowments and its young population demographics by promoting commercial agriculture and fostering entrepreneurship across various sectors to create jobs and income opportunities.   
About nepal

Country Facts

  • Area in km2: 147,516
  • Population: 28,609,000
  • Capital: Kathmandu

Swisscontact in Nepal

  • since 1991
  • 5 running projects

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Projects

Nepal
Sustainable agriculture
Sahaj - Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme
In 2017, agriculture contributed around 27.04 per cent to Nepal's GDP. Agriculture is a major source of livelihood in the country. However, the agriculture sector is still in a nascent stage as far as technology and modern cultivation methods are concerned. Agriculture mainly engages smallholder farmers who continue to use traditional methods of...
Nepal
Labour market insertion, Migration
Step Up – Improving labour market access for unemployed
Nepal faces enormous employment challenges that are exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Difficulties to find gainful employment for the unemployed include lack of information on jobs and business opportunities, appropriate skills and access to networks and support services such as career guidance or counselling. In addition, business support services that provide entrepreneurs with services to start, sustain and improve their businesses are weak or even missing. The project aims to address these deficiencies in the current employment ecosystem and contribute to the Government of Nepal’s efforts to increase job creation and the employability of its labour force.
Nepal
Initial vocational education and training
Quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training for youth (QualiTY)
Quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for Youth (QualiTY) Project aims to help Nepali youth, including those from disadvantaged groups, benefit from quality education and better employment prospects. 
Nepal
Initial vocational education and training
Nepal Vocational Qualifications System (NVQS)
Youths entering the labour market in Nepal are compelled to remain unemployed or underemployed and work in low-pay jobs due to a lack of skills, and lack of certification and recognition of the skills they have. To provide wider opportunities and to enable Nepali youth without formal vocational training and education, and those who have gained skills through work experience to enter the labour market with recognized certificates for better employability and career path, the Government of Nepal (GoN) has initiated a National Vocational Qualifications System (NVQS) with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to be implemented.
Nepal, Rwanda, Ethiopia
Sustainable agriculture
Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness Programme
The project aims to involve smallholder farmer businesses sustainably in agricultural value chains, thereby improving their living conditions and economic situation. By building inclusive agricultural systems, smallholder farmers will have improved access to markets, information, and means of production. Additionally, the project emphasizes...

News

Nepal
Sustainable agriculture
15.03.2024
Sahaj Facilitates Agri-SMEs' Access to Finance in the Koshi Province
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contribute 22 percent to the GDP, employing approximately 1.7 million people (Rastra Bank, 2020/21) in Nepal. However, many SMEs, including those in agriculture (Agri-SMEs), encounter challenges in accessing affordable formal financial services. Studies reveal a credit gap of NPR 400 billion for SMEs in Nepal, indicating a disconnect between demand and supply. Agri-SMEs face difficulties related to demonstrating creditworthiness, high collateral requirements, and limited experience with formal financing. Banks are hesitant to lend to them due to perceived risks and increased transaction costs. This gap underscores the need for improved financial intermediation by banks and financial institutions.
Nepal
Sustainable agriculture, Labour market insertion
01.03.2024
Facilitating Investment in Agriculture – How Swisscontact in Nepal is Helping Agribusinesses Grow and Scale 
Agriculture remains important in Nepal's economy. However, there are numerous challenges in attracting investment in the sector, resulting in relatively low investment compared to other sectors. Access to markets, firm capabilities, access to finance, and business linkages are some of the key constraints impeding investment and growth of agribusinesses.  
Nepal
Sustainable agriculture
26.02.2024
Reducing post harvest loss through MAP bags and storage services
An efficient and economically feasible supply chain for perishable goods, spanning from production centers to consumption centers can help minimise physical waste and preserve the value of perishable goods. Technological innovations play a crucial role in establishing such a robust supply chain. 
Country Director
Sanjay Karki

Swisscontact in Nepal

Swisscontact Nepal focuses on strengthening the competencies of people and improving their employability through upskilling and reskilling, initial vocational education and training, and labour market insertion. We engage with private sector enterprises to increase their competitiveness to achieve impact and scale. We also work towards sustainable agriculture development through commercialisation and agricultural markets development.

Swisscontact Nepal implements projects in a pragmatic way to address complex development challenges, which is participatory, inclusive, and sensitively adapted to local conditions. The approach helps in empowering local actors to develop capabilities and networks to overcome existing barriers. Addressing equal access for women and men, as well as disadvantaged groups, are critical aspects to any initiative we at Swisscontact Nepal do it in all levels. 

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Swisscontact South Asia has been successfully working with partners below for implementing projects.
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Swisscontact Nepal
Oasis Complex, 4th Floor
211 Madan Marg, Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur, Nepal