The Creating Opportunity for Youth in Digital Economy (CODE) project supports young women and men in Nepal to develop digital skills, access decent employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and participate in shaping an inclusive digital future.
Nepal’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, creating new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. However, many young people, particularly young women and underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers to participating in these opportunities. Limited digital literacy, lack of market-relevant skills, and weak connections with employers and the private sector prevent many youth from benefiting from the country’s digital transformation.
At the same time, local governments, schools, and service providers often lack the capacity to deliver inclusive digital initiatives that respond to the changing needs of young people and the labour market.
The Creating Opportunity for Youth in Digital Economy (CODE) project addresses these challenges by strengthening digital competencies, improving local systems, and creating pathways for young people to participate in and benefit from Nepal’s growing digital economy.
Funded by the European Union, CODE is implemented by Restless Development Nepal, Swisscontact, and the Robotics Association of Nepal. The three-year project runs from January 2026 to December 2028 across Madhesh and Gandaki Provinces.
The project adopts a systems approach, working with government, the private sector, civil society, and educational institutions to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive in the digital economy.
The project focuses on three interconnected areas
- Digital literacy and awareness: Strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations, training providers, and schools to deliver inclusive digital literacy and digital awareness programmes.
- Skills development and employment: Supporting young people, especially women and underrepresented groups, to develop industry-relevant digital skills, access employment opportunities, and pursue digital entrepreneurship.
- Governance and participation: Promoting meaningful youth participation in digital innovation and policymaking while supporting local governments to develop and implement inclusive digital policies.
The project also connects young people with employment service centres, digital job platforms, co-working spaces, financing opportunities, and private sector actors to strengthen pathways from learning to employment and enterprise.
Where
The programme is being implemented in Madhesh Province and Gandaki Province, Nepal.
Period
January 2026 to December 2028
Partners
Swisscontact (Lead), Restless Development Nepal, Robotics Association of Nepal
Donor
European Union
