Kathmandu: A new report titled “Nepal’s Capacity Needs Assessment and Partnership Mapping Report” has presented a comprehensive review of Nepal’s evolving federal governance system, identifying key capacity gaps and opportunities for improvement.
Commissioned by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) and supported by UNDP Nepal through the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP), the report offers a government-owned analysis aimed at guiding targeted investments in Nepal’s federal transition.
The assessment is based on extensive fieldwork conducted across all seven provinces, with consultations involving 35 local governments and 18 federal ministries and agencies. It is considered one of the most detailed evaluations of intergovernmental capacity since Nepal adopted federalism.
The report highlights systemic capacity gaps and coordination challenges among federal, provincial and local governments, while also identifying opportunities to strengthen service delivery across all three tiers. In addition, it maps existing and potential partnerships, providing a strategic roadmap for the government and development partners to better align their support with Nepal’s constitutional vision of cooperative federalism.
According to UNDP Nepal, the assessment serves as a practical tool for policymakers and development actors, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening governance systems, promoting inclusive institutions, and supporting Nepal in building a resilient and effective federal structure.
