https://archive.aessweb.com/index.php/5007 Asian Economic and Social Society en-US International Journal of Asian Social Science 2226-5139 https://archive.aessweb.com/index.php/5007/article/view/5635 <p>In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, digital literacy has become crucial for accessing employment opportunities, especially in developing countries such as Nepal. Despite notable advancements in internet penetration and mobile connectivity, Nepal faces significant challenges in translating access into meaningful digital engagement. This literature review aims to explore the impact of digital literacy on employment opportunities and outcomes in Nepal by analyzing a wide range of sources, including research papers, policy reports, and national data. It highlights how a persistent digital divide, shaped by factors such as geography, socioeconomic status, gender, and education, reinforces employment inequality. Furthermore, the findings suggest that while employers increasingly demand digital proficiency, many young people, women, and individuals from rural and marginalized communities remain underprepared due to challenges such as outdated curricula, limited access to digital training, and a lack of digital infrastructure. These skill gaps not only limit local job access but also push youth toward foreign labor markets, contributing to an ongoing brain drain and economic vulnerability. Understanding these concepts is important not only for addressing current labor market gaps but also for shaping inclusive policies that strengthen digital competencies, expand access to training for diverse communities, and help build a stronger workforce that can adapt to Nepal’s changing economy.</p> Prarambha Bhandari Tara-Marie Desruisseaux Copyright (c) 2025 2025-10-03 2025-10-03 15 10 315 323 10.55493/5007.v15i10.5635 https://archive.aessweb.com/index.php/5007/article/view/5636 <p>The purpose of this study is to examine Chinese trade and investment in the Global South, particularly Africa, analyzing economic, social, and environmental implications from 1992 to 2023. The research employs a comprehensive quantitative methodology using secondary data from MOFCOM, CARI, and IMF databases, analyzing FDI patterns through temporal, geographic, and sectoral frameworks with descriptive statistics and growth rate calculations. The findings reveal three distinct phases of Chinese FDI evolution: Rapid Growth (2003-2010) with 59.3% average annual growth, Expansion (2011-2018) at 16.1% growth, and Consolidation (2019-2022) showing a 2.9% decline. Chinese investment grew from US$0.49 billion in 2003 to US$40.89 billion in 2022, concentrating in the construction (33.3%) and mining (23.8%) sectors. Geographic distribution shows Southern Africa as the leading destination (27.5% of total FDI), while sectoral analysis indicates a shift from resource extraction toward infrastructure development. Trade analysis demonstrates remarkable growth from US$1.26 billion in 1992 to US$172.45 billion in 2023 for exports, though persistent imbalances remain. Comparative analysis with US FDI reveals greater stability in Chinese investments, maintaining consistent positive flows despite global economic challenges. The practical implications suggest that Chinese engagement offers more stable, long-term development partnerships compared to traditional Western approaches, though African policymakers must develop stronger regulatory frameworks to maximize benefits while addressing social and environmental challenges inherent in resource-focused investments.</p> Ernest Kwame Affum Solomon Luther Afful Cassim Alhassan Benjamin Kofi Tawiah Edjah Copyright (c) 2025 2025-10-03 2025-10-03 15 10 324 345 10.55493/5007.v15i10.5636