IFC and SCBNL Inject $29M into WorldLink to Drive Nepal’s Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion

In a major step toward advancing Nepal’s digital transformation, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited (SCBNL), has committed $29 million to WorldLink Communications Ltd. and its subsidiary Data World Ltd. The funding, supported by the IDA Private Sector Window, aims to expand Nepal’s fiber-optic networks and build state-of-the-art data centers, including the country’s first EDGE-certified facility, enhancing digital access, especially in remote areas.

This initiative supports the Government of Nepal’s Digital Nepal Framework and the 16th National Plan, aiming for universal internet access, digital inclusion, and sustainable economic growth. WorldLink plans to use this support to improve internet infrastructure, promote environmentally friendly technologies, create jobs (with a focus on women’s participation), and boost cloud and enterprise services. The project is expected to play a crucial role in bridging Nepal’s digital divide and positioning the country for a tech-driven future.