Telecom & Computer Services Exports Grow to USD 13.4M: Nepal’s New Service Engine

Nepal’s digital economy is emerging as a key pillar of its external sector. According to Nepal Rastra Bank’s latest Balance of Payments data, exports from telecommunication and computer services surged to USD 13.4 million in the first month of FY 2025/26 — a sharp increase from USD 8.5 million in the same period last year.

Within this category, computer-service exports alone jumped to USD 10.9 million, reflecting the rapid growth of Nepal’s IT outsourcing, software development, and digital-freelance sectors. Telecommunication services earned an additional USD 2.5 million, supported by cross-border data-handling and connectivity deals.

Analysts say this digital-services momentum is gradually helping to offset Nepal’s chronic services-trade deficit, which has long been dominated by large import bills in travel and transport. As ICT and consulting exports rise, Nepal’s overall services deficit narrowed to USD −96 million this month — its best position in several years.

The growth is also linked to a wave of Nepali startups and remote workers serving global markets through platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and international BPO contracts. Policymakers view this as a strategic opportunity to diversify foreign-currency earnings beyond remittances.

Experts emphasize that Nepal can sustain this trend only through digital-infrastructure investment, better payment-gateway access, and export-friendly tax policies to attract more global IT clients.