By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Director-General, Musayeroh Barrie, has on 27th September 2025 held high-level talks with senior officials of the United Kingdom’s aviation sector aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation on safety and regulatory development.
On the sidelines of the 42nd ICAO Assembly (A42) in Montreal, Canada, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie met with Dr. Rannia Leontaridi OBE, Director-General for Aviation, Maritime and Security at the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and Fiona Hau, Chair of the UK Air Safety Committee. Discussions focused on strengthening aviation safety collaboration between the two countries, advancing regulatory standards and exploring strategies for expanding Sierra Leone’s aviation industry.
During the engagements, focus was also placed on strengthening the UK–SL relationship when it comes to co-operation and collaboration in aviation safety, capacity building and trade opportunities via air cargo. Further engagements were also held on Sierra Leone’s application to be relieved from the blacklist.
Ms. Musayeroh Barrie reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to aligning with international aviation standards, stressing that the Government of Sierra Leone is prioritizing safety reforms and infrastructure modernization to boost air transport services and confidence in the country’s aviation sector.
The meeting is part of Sierra Leone’s broader effort to forge global partnerships aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight, improving passenger experience and expanding opportunities for growth within the sector.
At just 35 years old, Musayeroh Barrie made history in August 2023 when she was appointed Director-General of the SLCAA, becoming the youngest person worldwide to head a national civil aviation authority. Her appointment was hailed as a milestone for Sierra Leone and the African aviation sector.
Since assuming leadership, Musayeroh Barrie has spearheaded critical reforms, including:
• Reintroduction of the national carrier, Air Sierra Leone.
• Issuance of the first Air Operator Certificate (AOC) since 2008.
• Resumption of direct flights between Freetown and London after nearly 20 years (April 27, 2025).
• Development of a national aviation master plan in partnership with ICAO.
At the 42nd ICAO General Assembly in Montréal (23rd September – 3rd October 2025), Musayeroh Barrie was elected Vice-Chairperson of ICAO’s Administrative Commission, where she will help shape global aviation policy on finance, budgeting and administrative efficiency.
Musayeroh Barrie’s academic and professional credentials reflect her strong grounding in leadership and aviation management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, an MBA, a diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from the Chartered Management Institute (UK) and certification as an Aviation Security Professional Manager (AVSEC PM).
Before her appointment as DG, she spent over a decade overseeing aviation security operations at Freetown International Airport. Under her leadership, SLCAA has prioritized youth and gender inclusion, with more than half of its staff now under 40 and over 40% under 35.
Her tenure has also emphasized consumer protection, ensuring better passenger rights and Sierra Leone’s ambition to be removed from the EU safety blacklist through rigorous safety oversight and training.
In a recent profile by African Sphere, Musayeroh Barrie was described as a visionary leader blending technical expertise, integrity and international collaboration. Her leadership, the publication noted, is positioning Sierra Leone as a rising force in global aviation governance, with a focus on:
• Expanding international connectivity.
• Attracting investor and airline confidence.
• Improving passenger experience and operational safety.
• Strengthening Sierra Leone’s voice in multilateral aviation bodies.
Speaking on her latest international role, Musayeroh Barrie described it as “not just a personal honor, but a victory for our nation,” pledging to represent Sierra Leone with diligence, excellence and integrity.
If current momentum continues, experts suggest Sierra Leone could emerge as a benchmark for aviation governance in West Africa; an example of how safety, innovation and inclusion can transform national air transport.
