President Hage Geingob today announced a new structure for his Government by merging some ministries. The number of ministries reduced from 26 to 19. “In making these changes I have been mindful of the need to optimise the structure of Government to give fresh impetus to our plans for economic recovery and growth while balancing the need for renewal and continuity,” said President Geingob. Gender mainstreaming and poverty eradication have been merged and elevated to the Presidency. The Vice President, assisted by a minister, will oversee the cluster of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, including Social Safety Nets such as the Food Bank, Old Age Social Grants and grants for orphans and vulnerable children, disability and marginalised communities. To stimulate private sector led economic growth and recovery, the function of Investment Promotion and SME Development will be elevated to the Presidency. For this purpose, the Namibia Investment Centre will be replaced by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board. The Ministries of Home Affairs and Immigration has been merged with the former Ministry of Safety and Security. Veterans affairs will from now on be handled by the Ministry of Defence. The Ministries of Agriculture and Land reform were also merged. The Forestry department has been added to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and is mandated to promote biodiversity conservation, through sustainable utilization of natural resources and to develop a sustainable tourism industry that contributes significantly to the livelihood of all Namibians.