Nepal Expands Drone Use as World Bank Program Accelerates a Safer, Skilled Ecosystem

Recognizing these gaps, the World Bank’s Drone Ecosystem Acceleration Program (DEAP) is working to build a safe, inclusive, and innovation-friendly drone ecosystem.

 

Nepal has emerged as one of the pioneer countries in South Asia to deploy drones at scale, using them to respond rapidly to disasters, strengthen infrastructure planning, and support development across multiple sectors. From the 2015 earthquake to the 2021 Melamchi flash flood and the 2023 Jajarkot earthquake, drones have become indispensable tools for damage assessment, risk mapping, and emergency response.

Recently, this momentum reached a new milestone when the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) signed an MoU with Nepal’s drone association, formally institutionalizing the use of drones in disaster response.

A Growing Role Across Infrastructure, Environment, and Public Services

Drone applications are expanding well beyond disaster response. They are now central to planning and monitoring large-scale development projects, including:

• Slope stabilization along the Narayanghat–Muglin Road

• Preparing the Resettlement Action Plan for the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project III

• Designing the water supply network under the Water Sector Governance and Infrastructure Support Project

From agriculture and conservation to logistics, health, construction surveying, and entertainment, drones are opening new avenues for jobs, innovation, and economic growth.

Challenges Slowing Nepal’s Drone Transformation

Despite enormous potential, Nepal’s drone ecosystem faces structural barriers:

• Outdated regulations that do not reflect modern drone capabilities

• Lack of standardized training, certification, and safety protocols

• Limited business support for drone entrepreneurs and MSMEs to scale their innovations

Recognizing these gaps, the World Bank’s Drone Ecosystem Acceleration Program (DEAP) is working to build a safe, inclusive, and innovation-friendly drone ecosystem.

---

DEAP: Building a Drone-Ready Future for Nepal

Launched in 2023 and funded by the Korea–World Bank Partnership Facility, DEAP takes a multi-layered approach, strengthening governance, regulation, skills, and entrepreneurship in Nepal’s drone sector.

1. Strengthening Governance and Foundational Systems

DEAP supports policy reform and regulatory modernization through:

• The Drone Ecosystem and Regulatory Review Assessments

• Multi-stakeholder consultations and government engagements

• South–South knowledge exchanges on drone-enabled development

A major achievement was the first South Asia Drone Forum (April 2025, Kathmandu), which brought together over 250 participants from governments, private sector, academia, and civil society across the region. The event shaped dialogue on:

• Regional collaboration

• Regulatory harmonization

• Training standardization

• Emerging technologies for resilient development

The Forum also inspired new cross-regional partnerships, including collaborations between the African Drone Forum, Drone Federation of India, WeRobotics, and Headstart Schools.

These efforts contributed directly to the inclusion of drone regulation mandates in Nepal’s draft Amended Civil Aviation Authority Bill and Civil Aviation Policy.

---

2. Building Skills for a Future Drone Workforce

With a long-term vision of consistent, safe drone operations, DEAP championed standardized drone training across Nepal.

In partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and Khwopa Engineering College, DEAP:

• Trained 100 drone operators

• Developed 30 master trainers

• Introduced training on piloting, drone systems, data analytics, and regulatory compliance

It also worked with higher education institutions, the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training, and the Civil Aviation Academy of Nepal to embed drone education into undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses.

This effort builds a long-term pipeline of skilled drone professionals—aligned with international standards and essential for Nepal’s digital and economic transformation.

---

3. Supporting Drone Entrepreneurs and Job Creation

DEAP is nurturing Nepal’s fast-growing drone startup ecosystem.

At the ELEVATE NEPAL showcase (15–16 August 2025), seven drone SMEs were selected for intensive business mentorship, including:

• Masterclasses on innovation, regulatory compliance, and investment readiness

• Coaching and technical support

• Access to innovation funding

These SMEs work in fields such as:

• Drone manufacturing

• Repair and maintenance

• Mapping and surveying

• Logistics and disaster risk reduction

• Conservation and tourism

• Training and cinematography

A ten-day youth training introduced 45 young people to drone technologies, with 20 participants placed into three-month apprenticeships at drone firms, giving hands-on experience and supporting youth employment.

---

A Model for Digital Development and Innovation

Nepal’s rapid expansion of drone use—combined with DEAP’s systemic support—positions the country as a regional leader in emerging technologies. The program demonstrates how drones can strengthen:

• Disaster preparedness and response

• Infrastructure development

• Agriculture and natural resource management

• Jobs and entrepreneurship

• Inclusive economic growth

As Nepal continues its journey toward job-creating, technology-driven development, drones are poised to play an increasingly transformative role. DEAP’s success offers a blueprint for other countries seeking to harness drones for resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth.