By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, paid a heartfelt visit to her grandfather’s home in Kabala Town, Koinadugu District, on March 9, 2025. According to her social media post, this was her first visit to the place where her mother and siblings grew up. She expressed deep emotions about the experience, particularly her contribution to a masjid built in honor of her grandfather and her participation in prayers with children receiving free Islamic lessons.

“Visiting my grandfather’s house in Kabala for the first time, where my mum & her siblings grew up, was surreal. Contributing to the masjid built in his honor and praying with children receiving free Islamic lessons was deeply moving. There's no greater feeling than giving back!” she shared.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s visit followed her recent recognition with the prestigious Bai Bureh Service Delivery Award on March 6, 2025, for her contributions to Sierra Leone's development. The award highlighted her role in fostering youth-led initiatives, particularly in Port Loko District.

Under her leadership, the SLCAA has achieved remarkable progress in key areas, including safety compliance, capacity building and international collaboration. Those efforts have positioned Sierra Leone as an emerging player in the global aviation industry.

A major milestone in this journey has been the development of a strategic plan to remove Sierra Leone from the European Union's aviation safety list by early 2025. Crafted through successful engagements with the European Union Safety Commission, the plan demonstrates the SLCAA’s strong commitment to meeting international aviation standards. The anticipated removal is expected to improve safety, boost airline confidence and enhance air travel accessibility.

Another landmark achievement was the processing of the first-ever Air Operator Certificate (AOC) application, signaling a new era for Sierra Leone’s aviation industry. This development is expected to support the growth of domestic carriers and strengthen the country’s aviation infrastructure.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie has also prioritized capacity building, ensuring SLCAA technical staff receive specialized training to enhance their expertise. Training programs in Italy have further honed the skills of Sierra Leone’s aviation professionals, equipping them to meet the demands of a growing sector.

A pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s aviation progress was the signing of a management service agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) during the Air Navigation Conference in Montreal in August 2024. That agreement includes the establishment of an ICAO-recognized training school, a cornerstone of Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s vision to develop a skilled workforce for the country’s aviation industry.

“These achievements are a testament to the dedication of SLCAA staff and the collaborative efforts of our partners,” she stated. “In just one year, we have laid a foundation that will propel Sierra Leone’s aviation sector to new heights.”

Further showcasing Sierra Leone’s commitment to aviation excellence, Madam Musayeroh Barrie actively participated in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025, held on February 11, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The high-profile event, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, gathered aviation leaders, policymakers and industry experts to discuss sustainability, training and workforce development in the aviation sector.

The Director General was invited to participate in ICAO’s first-ever all-female panel discussion, “Evolving Training for Sustainable Aviation,” where she addressed strategies for attracting and retaining aviation professionals, integrating sustainability into training programs and strengthening workforce resilience. She highlighted the need for structured learning programs in Sierra Leone to expose young people to aviation careers.

“Sierra Leone is a country with youthful, forward-thinking leadership, which creates a tremendous opportunity for aviation development,” she noted. “Events like this provide invaluable knowledge and open doors for training and human resource development, crucial for the country’s progress.”

Madam Musayeroh Barrie acknowledged the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, including limited access to training and resource constraints. However, she emphasized that with increased regional collaboration, international partnerships and technological advancements, Sierra Leone’s aviation industry has the potential to thrive.

In a significant step towards strengthening Sierra Leone’s aviation workforce, Madam Musayeroh Barrie signed an ICAO Training Agreement under the Management Service Agreement (MSA), facilitating five major ICAO training courses in 2025. These courses include:

- Training Instructors Course (TIC EN)


- Training Developers Course (TDC EN)


- Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP EN) Auditor Preparation


- USOAP Continuous Monitoring Approach Phase 1 (Online Training)


- USOAP Continuous Monitoring Approach Phase 2, covering Personnel Licensing, Aircraft Operations, Airworthiness of Aircraft, Air Navigation Services, and Aerodrome and Ground Aids

The training is delivered both online and in-person by ICAO experts, ensuring relevance to Sierra Leone’s aviation needs.

Reflecting on her participation in ICAO GISS 2025, Madam Musayeroh Barrie expressed optimism about Sierra Leone’s aviation prospects:

“I was thrilled to be part of the symposium, where we explored the latest advancements in aviation technology and sustainable practices. It was a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing and contributing to the global aviation industry's progress.”

Since assuming office in August 2023, Madam Musayeroh Barrie has spearheaded significant reforms, including strengthening regulatory compliance, expanding collaborations with ICAO and the EU and enhancing safety oversight frameworks. With a clear vision and strong leadership, Sierra Leone is positioning itself as a key player in the West African aviation sector.

As Sierra Leone continues to refine its aviation strategies, the knowledge and partnerships gained from ICAO GISS 2025 mark a major step in developing a more robust, innovative and globally competitive aviation industry. Madam Musayeroh Barrie remains committed to fostering a sector that is both sustainable and attractive to young professionals, ensuring a brighter future for the country’s aviation landscape.