President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has emphasised that merging the trade function with international relations was a deliberate move to ensure Namibia fully leverages economic diplomacy through its foreign policy.

She encouraged the newly commissioned Heads of Mission to place investment promotion at the centre of their work, guided by the existing policy instruments.

The President officially commissioned seven new Heads of Mission at State House earlier today.

Among the new appointees is former Ohangwena Governor Walde Ndevashiya, designated as High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Former State House Press Secretary Alfredo Hengari heads to Belgium, while Goms Menethe, who previously served as Deputy Auditor General, has been appointed High Commissioner to Zambia.

The Executive Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, becomes High Commissioner to Ghana, and former Swakopmund Mayor Rosina ||Hoabes has been named Ambassador to Japan.

Meanwhile, Markel Mupiya and David Thomas take up ambassadorial posts in Egypt and Zimbabwe, respectively.