By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Two years into her tenure as Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musa Yeroh Barrie has earned widespread acclaim for her transformative leadership in the nation’s aviation sector. Since her appointment in 2023 by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Musayeroh   Barrie has spearheaded reforms that have strengthened operational efficiency, enhanced safety standards and positioned Sierra Leone as a growing force in global aviation.

Under Musayeroh Barrie’s guidance, SLCAA has made significant strides in meeting International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, implementing modernized systems and streamlining service delivery across the board. Her tenure has also emphasized staff training, capacity development and the creation of strategic partnerships with both regional and international aviation bodies.

Industry stakeholders, including airline operators and passengers, have praised Musayeroh Barrie for her hands-on approach and commitment to policy-driven reforms. “Her leadership has ushered in a period of remarkable transformation for aviation in Sierra Leone,” said one industry expert. “From airport operations to regulatory frameworks, the improvements are visible and impactful.”

At the national level, SLCAA’s performance continues to impress. According to the Ministry of Transport and Aviation’s 2025 Mid-Term Agency Performance Scores, SLCAA ranked third among sector agencies, achieving a Grade C with 49.4% for the January to June period. The evaluation, part of the Ministry’s Performance Contract initiative, measures service delivery and operational alignment with national development priorities. Notably, SLCAA outperformed agencies such as the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority and the Sierra Leone Airports Authority, reflecting the strength of Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership.

On the international stage, Musayeroh Barrie has been a prominent voice for Sierra Leone. She recently represented the country at the ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025 in Durban, South Africa. Speaking on “The Future of Work in Aviation,” Musayeroh Barrie highlighted the importance of empowering young people and women, fostering innovation and integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence within the aviation sector.

Her tenure has also seen the successful launch of Air Sierra Leone, a milestone that has reignited national interest and pride in the aviation sector. Musayeroh Barrie emphasized that SLCAA remains committed to expanding training opportunities, promoting gender diversity and aligning its strategies with ICAO’s NGAP framework. “As the youngest Civil Aviation Director General in the world, I carry both the responsibility and privilege of ensuring Sierra Leone’s aviation story is one of progress, inclusion and sustainability,” she stated.

Musayeroh Barrie’s journey to the helm of SLCAA is marked by exceptional academic and professional accomplishments. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brunel University, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Leicester and a Strategic Management and Leadership Diploma from the Chartered Management Institute, she returned to Sierra Leone in 2010. Her extensive experience includes over a decade as Country Director for an international aviation security provider, overseeing airport security operations and preparing for ICAO audits, including a notable 71% pass mark in 2019.

As she enters her third year in office, expectations remain high that Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership will continue to elevate Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, attracting investment, enhancing standards and shaping the country’s role in global aviation discourse. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-dg-marks-two-years-of-transformative-leadership-in-sierra-leone-aviation/