By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has achieved a historic milestone with the appointment of its Director-General, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, as Vice-Chairperson of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Administrative Commission. This defining moment, confirmed during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada, not only secures Sierra Leone’s place in global aviation governance but also highlights the extraordinary rise of Madam Musayeroh Barrie to one of the highest decision-making positions in international aviation.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie was earlier nominated to the position, a development that already signaled a breakthrough for the nation. Her official appointment now makes her both the youngest Director-General worldwide to hold such a role and the first Sierra Leonean to attain this prestigious position. For Sierra Leone, a country working diligently to modernize its aviation sector, her elevation represents not only national pride but also a strategic opportunity to advance its aviation reform agenda on the global stage.

Through her appointment, Sierra Leone now gains direct influence in ICAO’s Administrative Commission, which is central to shaping policies, overseeing budgets and aligning member states’ priorities within the organization. Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s presence at this level strengthens Sierra Leone’s voice in global aviation decision-making, while also opening avenues to build new bilateral and multilateral partnerships, enhance regulatory frameworks and attract investment. The visibility that comes with her leadership role is expected to bolster investor confidence, paving the way for airport infrastructure upgrades, safety improvements and expanded regional air connectivity.

Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., who led Sierra Leone’s delegation to the Assembly, hailed the appointment of Madam Musayeroh Barrie as a landmark achievement for the country. Reflecting on the development, he stressed that President Julius Maada Bio’s decision to appoint her as the world’s youngest Civil Aviation Director-General has already begun to yield remarkable dividends. According to the Minister, Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s appointment demonstrates Sierra Leone’s rising influence in shaping international aviation policy at a time when Africa is demanding stronger representation at ICAO.

The recognition of Madam Musayeroh Barrie comes at a moment when ICAO has been showcasing the achievements of women leaders in aviation. A special video produced by ICAO TV, titled: “Every dream begins with imagination… the sky is not the limit”, honored female trailblazers from across the globe. Madam Musayeroh Barrie was featured alongside Paule Avomo Assoumou Koki, Cameroon’s first female aeronautical engineer; Ebtesam Al Shamlan, Bahrain’s Assistant Undersecretary for Air Transport, Aviation Safety and Security and Teresa da Concelao Coelho Neto, an aircraft maintenance specialist from Angola Airlines. Her inclusion among those distinguished professionals placed Sierra Leone firmly on the global stage and underlined the growing momentum for gender equality in aviation leadership.

Delivering a powerful intervention during the Assembly, Madam Musayeroh Barrie reaffirmed her commitment to promoting inclusive leadership, youth empowerment and institutional excellence. She urged more women and young professionals to embrace careers in aviation and to break down barriers in what has long been a male-dominated sector. Her remarks resonated strongly, reinforcing the importance of diverse representation in global aviation governance.

In its official statement, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority praised Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s appointment as a demonstration of the Authority’s professionalism, competence and credibility under her stewardship. The institution pledged to continue supporting her vision of building a safe, modern, inclusive and globally competitive aviation industry. According to the SLCAA, the appointment reflects Sierra Leone’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to global aviation development and to strengthen its integration into the international aviation community.

The appointment of Madam Musayeroh Barrie also aligns with Africa’s broader call for increased representation within ICAO. Her achievement stands as both a personal triumph and a continental one, symbolizing Africa’s determination to influence aviation governance at the highest levels.

For Sierra Leone, the appointment of Madam Musayeroh Barrie is far more than a ceremonial recognition. It is proof of what visionary leadership, determination and resilience can achieve for a small state on the global stage. Her story is one of inspiration; rising to become the youngest Director-General in global aviation, earning recognition as a trailblazer and now securing one of the most influential positions within ICAO. This moment is a source of immense pride for Sierra Leone, a clear signal that its aviation sector is not only progressing but also contributing to shaping the future of international aviation.

In another event held on Wednesday 24th September, 2025, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, in her capacity as Director-General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, delivered a keynote address at the High-Level Youth Summit on the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP). Addressing an international audience, she began by extending warm greetings from Sierra Leone and thanked the Government of the United Arab Emirates for hosting the gathering.

In her remarks, Madam Musayeroh Barrie underscored that the aviation industry is on the cusp of global transformation, shaped by emerging technologies, climate resilience, cybersecurity and a rapidly evolving labor market. She emphasized the urgent need for youth to be recognized not only as the future but as active leaders of the present. “We must consciously and purposefully make room for young people to lead by establishing quotas within our institutions for young people, not as favors, but as an acknowledgement that the involvement of young people is critical to aviation’s continued existence and advancement,” she said.

She called for cross-regional collaboration to strengthen talent pipelines, while highlighting the responsibility of young professionals to innovate and reshape aviation into a safer, more inclusive, connected and greener industry. “I see more than just future engineers, pilots and legislators. I see change-makers in the present; innovators who will rethink aviation to make it safer, more inclusive, connected and greener,” she told participants.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie noted that Sierra Leone’s aviation sector is youthful and ambitious, but requires accelerated efforts in skills development, gender inclusion, digital transformation and leadership grooming. She reaffirmed SLCAA’s commitment to ICAO’s NGAP vision and called on young professionals to seize the opportunity to lead.

“Don’t wait for approval to take the lead. Don’t undervalue the power of your voice. And don’t let anyone tell you that you are too young to do or be anything,” she urged. Her speech ended with a rallying call for collaboration across borders and generations to build a safer, smarter and more sustainable aviation future. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-dg-appointed-icao-vice-chair-champions-youth-leadership-at-high-level-youth-summit/