Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, has been named among Sierra Leone’s 50 Most Influential Women in recognition of her leadership and contribution to the development of the country’s aviation sector.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie was ranked eighth among the Top 10 honourees in the ninth edition of the Fifty Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards. She was recognized in the Leadership and Aviation category alongside other women making significant contributions to national development.
Responding to the recognition on August 22, 2026, Madam Musayeroh Barrie said she was honoured to be included among the country’s most influential women.
She described the award as a reminder that leadership must be centred on service, meaningful impact and the creation of opportunities for others. She dedicated the honour to those who have supported and inspired her throughout her career.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie made history in August 2023 when she became the first woman appointed to lead the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority. She is also regarded as one of the youngest Directors General serving in global civil aviation.
Since taking office, she has introduced and supported measures to strengthen aviation safety oversight, regulatory compliance, institutional capacity and professionalism within the sector.
Her leadership has contributed to the return of Air Sierra Leone, the issuance of the country’s first Air Operator Certificate since 2008 and the restoration of direct flights between Freetown and London.
The SLCAA has also expanded its cooperation with international aviation institutions. In 2024, the Authority signed a Management Service Agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization to improve technical capacity and compliance with global aviation standards.
Work has also commenced on the Civil Aviation Master Plan, National Aviation Safety Plan and National Air Navigation Plan. The strategic documents are intended to guide the long-term development of a safer, more efficient and sustainable aviation industry.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership was further demonstrated during the recent ECOWAS Summit, when the SLCAA coordinated the movement of approximately 30 presidential, diplomatic and official aircrafts at Freetown International Airport.
The complex exercise was conducted while normal commercial flight operations continued. It followed months of planning, technical inspections and consultations involving airport operators, Government Ministries, security agencies and other stakeholders.
Preparations covered air traffic management, aircraft parking, ground-handling services, aviation security, infrastructure assessments and emergency arrangements.
The Air Traffic Control Unit successfully coordinated the arrival, departure, sequencing and parking of visiting aircraft while maintaining scheduled commercial operations.
The Authority also deployed an advanced drone-detection system to strengthen security around the airport. The technology provided real-time surveillance and could detect, track and locate unauthorized unmanned aircraft within a 20-kilometre radius.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie attributed the successful operation to careful planning and strong teamwork. She said airworthiness inspectors, engineers, air traffic controllers and other technical personnel worked collectively to deliver the exercise.
Heavy rainfall and flooding presented additional challenges by damaging sections of completed road works around the airport. Engineering teams were required to reconstruct affected portions and develop deeper drainage channels before the visiting delegations arrived.
The Director General reportedly joined personnel in removing floodwater and directing traffic, demonstrating her commitment to practical and people-centred leadership.
She said the operation showed that leadership is tested by the ability to respond effectively to unexpected difficulties. She also commended Government institutions, security agencies, aviation professionals, community leaders and SLCAA personnel for their cooperation.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie has also prioritized opportunities for young professionals and women in aviation. More than half of the SLCAA workforce is reportedly below 40 years, while over 40 per cent is under 35.
Her advocacy for gender inclusion and youth empowerment continues to encourage young Sierra Leoneans, particularly women, to pursue careers and leadership roles in aviation.
The Fifty Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards is organized by the Port Loko 1000 Organisation to recognize women whose leadership, courage and dedication are transforming lives and supporting Sierra Leone’s development.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s recognition highlights the progress recorded under her leadership and her contribution to positioning Sierra Leone’s aviation sector for improved safety, stronger international connectivity and sustainable growth.
