Bridging the Gap: Experts Advocate for Education-Industry Collaboration to Empower Nepali Youth and Drive Economic Growth

In a pivotal dialogue held during the NAIMA Mobility Expo 2026, stakeholders convened to address a critical challenge facing Nepal's economic future: transforming youth migration from a compulsion into a choice. The discussion, themed 'Attracting Talent and Sending Out Workers: Bridging the Education, Skill, and Entrepreneurship Gap in Nepal through Process,' underscored the urgent need for robust collaboration between education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and industry.

Member of Parliament and entrepreneur, Bidushi Rana, articulated a compelling vision for Nepal's youth, emphasizing that pursuing opportunities abroad should be a conscious decision, not an unavoidable necessity. She highlighted the significant potential within Nepal's burgeoning sectors, including industry, information technology, hospitality, and automotive. However, MP Rana pointed out that policy complexities and a perceived scarcity of domestic opportunities often compel young Nepalis to seek livelihoods overseas. To counteract this trend, she advocated for a concerted effort from both government and the private sector to cultivate an employment and entrepreneurship-friendly environment. A key policy recommendation from MP Rana was the implementation of a 'one-window system' to streamline bureaucratic processes related to business registration, taxation, permits, and financial access, thereby simplifying the journey for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Adding to this forward-looking perspective, Saurabh Jyoti, founder of the Nepal Automobiles Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) and a prominent entrepreneur, unveiled an ambitious goal for Nepal's automotive sector. He envisioned a transformation from 'Make in Nepal' to 'Made in Nepal' within the next five to ten years. Achieving this, Jyoti explained, would necessitate not only the expansion of assembly industries but also the vigorous development of local production capabilities for parts and components, alongside a robust domestic supply chain. He critically noted the substantial disconnect between the education sector and industry requirements, stressing the importance of developing curricula that align directly with the needs of the industrial landscape. Jyoti further asserted that fostering trust and ensuring security for entrepreneurs and investors, given the private sector's significant role in job creation, would be instrumental in accelerating Nepal's economic momentum.

Academic leaders also contributed vital insights to the dialogue. Associate Professor Lochan Kendra Devkota of Thapathali Campus highlighted that university graduates often lack the immediate practical skills demanded by industries, despite possessing strong theoretical foundations. He emphasized that effective collaboration among universities, industries, and the government is crucial to bridge this practical skill gap. Devkota proposed integrating industry needs into curriculum development, enhancing internship and apprenticeship programs, and increasing investment in university research and student projects to create a seamless transition from academia to the workforce.

Professor Bhagawati Sedhai of Padmakanya Campus, Tribhuvan University, challenged the prevailing narrative that Nepal lacks opportunities, urging against discouraging the youth. She affirmed that ample educational, skill development, and employment opportunities can be cultivated domestically through collaborative efforts involving the government, private sector, educational institutions, and the youth themselves. Professor Sedhai called for a dialogue with industrialists and business leaders to tailor curricula to specific industry demands and stressed the need for effective implementation of existing entrepreneurship and self-employment policies. She also advocated for incentivizing the private sector to invest more in skill development initiatives.

The consensus among all speakers was clear: direct collaboration between education and industry, coupled with effective practical skills training, internships, and apprenticeships, is paramount to narrowing the gap between academic learning and workforce demands. They collectively expressed confidence that by proactively creating domestic opportunities, Nepal can significantly reduce the outflow of skilled youth and foster an environment conducive to attracting back those who have sought opportunities abroad, ultimately strengthening the nation's human capital and economic resilience.