Independent Economic Research on Nepal

Decoding Nepal's
Development Story
Through Rigorous Research

The Nepal Economic Observatory is an independent platform dedicated to evidence-based analysis of Nepal's economic landscape—tracking development partnerships, policy outcomes, and pathways to equitable, resilient growth.

2026 · First Edition
The World Bank in Nepal
Towards New Horizons
Dr. Shakti P. Shrestha
Economist · Development Policy
Peer-Reviewed Research
Publicly Available Data Sources
Global Development Perspective
30+ Years of Institutional Expertise

A Trusted Voice on Nepal's Economic Future

We bridge complex development data and policy insight — independent, rigorous research for policymakers, practitioners, and citizens.

  • Assess international development partnerships and outcomes in Nepal
  • Ground policy dialogue in evidence and Nepal's lived realities
  • Make development economics accessible through books, podcasts, and commentary
50+
Years of World Bank–Nepal Partnership Analyzed
60
Actionable Policy Recommendations
6
Books on Nepal's Development Landscape
30+
Years of Research & Policy Experience

"Equitable growth and resilience are fundamental pillars of a just society. Nepal's development journey demands empirical rigor and candid, constructive critique."

  • Federalism & decentralized governance
  • Climate adaptation & disaster resilience
  • LDC graduation & SDG alignment
  • Financial sector reform & public finance

Featured Publication

The flagship volume from the Observatory — a five-decade assessment of the World Bank in Nepal, with candid critique and a forward-looking agenda.

2026 · Published

The World Bank in Nepal: Towards New Horizons

Dr. Shakti P. Shrestha

A comprehensive, multidimensional examination of the World Bank's engagement in Nepal over five decades. Blending empirical rigor with candid critique, this volume traces the evolution from infrastructure-focused aid to holistic, inclusive development — and charts a bold path forward for Nepal's future.

Development Economics World Bank Nepal Policy Climate Resilience

The Nepal Economic Observatory Podcast

In-depth conversations on Nepal's economy and policy — launching soon. Explore the full episode lineup and sign up for launch updates on the podcasts page.

🎙 Launching Soon

Development Policy,
Decoded for Nepal

The NEO Podcast will bring together economists, policymakers, and practitioners to unpack Nepal's economic challenges — with rigour, nuance, and actionable insight.

Spotify Apple Podcasts ▶ YouTube ◎ Google Podcasts
EP1
Development Finance
Five Decades of World Bank Partnership — What Has Nepal Gained?
Coming Soon
EP2
Governance
Federalism's Promise — Is Decentralization Delivering for Nepal?
Coming Soon

Meet the Researcher

Economist, author, and institution-builder — a career dedicated to Nepal's development policy.

SPS
Dr. Shakti P. Shrestha
Ph.D. Economist · Development Policy Specialist

Former professional staff at the World Bank Nepal Office; two decades in Nepal Rastra Bank research; author of six books on Nepal's development; economist at Tribhuvan University.

World Bank Nepal Office Nepal Rastra Bank Tribhuvan University

Full author bio →