By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Madam Musayeroh Barrie, the dynamic Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), has been named among the 100 Outstanding Global Innovative Leaders 2026 by the Global Center for Innovative Leaders (GCIL). Her inclusion on this prestigious list highlights her remarkable rise as one of Africa’s youngest aviation leaders and a transformative force within the continent’s air transport sector.

The Director General’s leadership journey is historic. Appointed in 2023 as Sierra Leone’s first female Director General of Civil Aviation, she assumed office at a time when the country’s aviation system required bold reforms, modern regulatory structures and a renewed international image. Her appointment signaled a shift not only in gender representation but in Sierra Leone’s ambition to build a stronger, globally competitive aviation sector.

Under her stewardship, the SLCAA has delivered reforms that many aviation observers describe as unprecedented in recent decades. The reintroduction of Air Sierra Leone stands as one of her hallmark achievements, restoring national pride and expanding opportunities for travel, tourism and commercial activity. This milestone was followed by the issuance of Sierra Leone’s first Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in 16 years, a major regulatory breakthrough demonstrating the Authority’s strengthened oversight and compliance capacity.

Equally significant has been the return of direct commercial flights along the Freetown–London route. This move has improved Sierra Leone’s global connectivity, reduced travel burdens for citizens and investors and created new opportunities for trade and tourism. Aviation experts also credit her leadership for revitalizing the sector’s institutional frameworks, improving safety management and motivating a new generation of young professionals entering aviation.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s decade-long experience in aviation security operations before her appointment provided the foundation for the sweeping reforms she now champions. Her deep understanding of compliance, safety systems and operational oversight continues to shape her leadership approach at SLCAA, resulting in improved performance standards and enhanced credibility with international aviation bodies.

Beyond technical reforms, Madam Musayeroh Barrie has become widely recognized for her commitment to youth empowerment and gender inclusion. Today, over 50% of the workforce at SLCAA is under the age of 40, with more than 40% under 35 making it one of the youngest public-sector workforces in Sierra Leone. This deliberate investment in young professionals reflects her belief that a modern aviation sector must be driven by innovation, energy and a vision for the future.

Her influence extends beyond national borders. Through strengthened partnerships with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa and other global aviation entities, she has expanded Sierra Leone’s international cooperation framework. The landmark ICAO Management Service Agreement signed in 2024 remains a highlight, positioning Sierra Leone for long-term capacity building and international compliance.

In 2025, she was named among the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone, further cementing her status as a national role model and a regional leader in aviation governance.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie will receive her Special Certificate of Honour during the Global Leaders Innovative Summits & Gala Nights 2026, where she will stand among other influential global figures celebrated for reshaping industries through innovation and excellence. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-dg-listed-among-100-outstanding-global-innovative-leaders-2026/