By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, actively participated in the prestigious International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025. The high-profile event, held on February 11, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), brought together aviation leaders, policymakers and industry experts from around the world to discuss key issues related to training, sustainability, and workforce development in the aviation sector.
The symposium, which ran from February 10-12, was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. With over 1,500 participants, including more than 35 ministers responsible for air transport and aviation, the event underscored global efforts to drive sustainable and innovative solutions for the aviation industry. This year’s theme: “The Next Flight: Innovating for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” set the stage for critical discussions on advancing aviation.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s presence at ICAO GISS 2025 reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its aviation sector and aligning with international standards. She engaged in high-level discussions that addressed challenges faced by emerging aviation markets, particularly in the areas of skills development, workforce retention and resource constraints.
Recognized for her efforts in rebranding SLCAA and contributing significantly to international aviation bodies, Madam Musayeroh Barrie was invited to participate in the first-ever All-Female ICAO Panel – Panel 5B: “Evolving Training for Sustainable Aviation.”
During the session, she joined other distinguished panelists to discuss:
- Strategies for attracting, training, and retaining aviation professionals.
- The role of lifelong learning and professional development in bridging the skills gap.
- Challenges in integrating sustainability within aviation training programs.
- Collaborative approaches to strengthening workforce resilience and industry growth.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie provided an insightful analysis of Sierra Leone’s aviation landscape, acknowledging the country’s challenges in developing a sustainable sector while emphasizing the opportunities available through regional collaboration, international partnerships and technological advancements.
“Sierra Leone is a country with youthful, forward-thinking leadership, which creates a tremendous opportunity for aviation development. Events like this panel provide invaluable knowledge and open doors for training and human resource development, which are crucial for the country’s progress,” she stated.
She highlighted the lack of exposure to aviation careers in Sierra Leone due to minimal integration of aviation-related subjects in the education system. This gap, she noted, has resulted in a limited pool of homegrown talent to sustain the industry. However, she remains optimistic that with increased visibility, structured learning programs and Government intervention, aviation can become an attractive career path for young Sierra Leoneans.
Beyond workforce attraction, Madam Musayeroh Barrie identified resource constraints as a major hurdle, particularly in retaining skilled aviation professionals. Given the technical nature of the industry, trained personnel often become prime targets for recruitment by larger, well-funded aviation bodies.
“Aviation is a small but highly specialized industry. When we develop a strong pool of technical staff, they often become prime targets for recruitment by bigger CAAs and countries with greater financial resources,” she explained. “Through continuous collaboration and access to funding, smaller CAAs like Sierra Leone’s can work toward overcoming this issue.”
In a landmark achievement, Madam Musayeroh Barrie signed an ICAO Training Agreement under the Management Service Agreement (MSA) with Sierra Leone, a move aimed at boosting aviation workforce development. The agreement facilitates the delivery of five major ICAO training courses in 2025, covering:
- Training Instructors Course (TIC EN)
- Training Developers Course (TDC EN)
- Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP EN) Auditor Preparation
- USOAP Continuous Monitoring Approach Phase 1 (Online Training)
- USOAP Continuous Monitoring Approach Phase 2, covering:
- Personnel Licensing
- Aircraft Operations
- Airworthiness of Aircraft
- Air Navigation Services
- Aerodrome and Ground Aids
These training programs will be delivered through a combination of online and instructor-led sessions in Sierra Leone by ICAO experts, ensuring accessibility and relevance to the country’s specific aviation needs.
ICAO GISS 2025 commenced with keynote addresses from global aviation leaders, including ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano, who emphasized the need for collaboration in achieving global aviation goals. He also announced a $25 million fund for capacity building and highlighted the transformative role of AI in aviation management.
The symposium witnessed the signing of multiple international agreements, with commitments from Mauritania, Yemen, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and ICAO launched the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award, a $1 million initiative supporting alternative fuel research.
A ministerial session featuring top aviation executives focused on:
- The economic and societal impact of aviation.
- Balancing growth with sustainability.
- Strengthening support for resource-constrained states.
Reflecting on her participation at ICAO GISS 2025, Madam Barrie expressed optimism about Sierra Leone’s aviation prospects:
“I was thrilled to be part of the symposium, where we explored the latest advancements in aviation technology and sustainable practices. It was a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing and contributing to the global aviation industry’s progress.”
Since her appointment in August 2023, Madam Musayeroh Barrie has spearheaded significant reforms in Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, including:
- Strengthening regulatory compliance with international standards.
- Enhancing safety oversight frameworks.
- Expanding collaborations with the European Union and ICAO.
- Promoting aviation training and human capital development.
As Sierra Leone continues to refine its aviation strategies, Madam Musayeroh Barrie Madam remains committed to fostering an industry that is both sustainable and attractive to professionals. With strategic investments, regional partnerships, and a strong policy framework, Sierra Leone is positioning itself as a key player in the West African aviation sector.
The knowledge and partnerships forged at ICAO GISS 2025 mark a significant step in Sierra Leone’s journey toward a more robust, innovative, and globally competitive aviation industry.
