By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Representing Sierra Leone at the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly (A42) under the theme “Safe Skies, Sustainable Future,” Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to global aviation progress. Serving as Vice Chairperson of ICAO’s Administrative Commission, Madam Musayeroh Barrie highlighted Sierra Leone’s recognition of the vital work of ICAO in promoting safe, secure and sustainable skies.
The Assembly also witnessed a significant milestone as the Sierra Leone Airport Authority (SLAA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ng Ada Nama to enhance air navigation services at Freetown International Airport. The partnership covers flight calibration, air traffic control (ATC) training and technical capacity building marking a major step forward in aviation safety and regional collaboration.
Sierra Leone has signaled its firm commitment to the future of global aviation with an emphatic endorsement of ICAO’s proposed budget for 2026–2028. The pledge came as Madam Musayeroh Barrie secured a senior leadership role during the Assembly in Montréal, Canada. On September 30, 2025, Madam Musayeroh Barrie was elected Vice Chairperson of ICAO’s Administrative Commission, a body that reviews the organization’s budgetary and administrative priorities. Her election marks a historic milestone for Sierra Leone and strengthens Africa’s voice in ICAO governance.
Delivering Sierra Leone’s position statement at the triennial gathering, Madam Musayeroh Barrie commended ICAO’s Secretariat for its budget preparation, which outlines the Agency’s funding needs over the next three years. She called on all member states to lend their support to ensure ICAO is adequately resourced to fulfill its mandate.
“The Government of Sierra Leone acknowledges the important work of ICAO and wishes to thank the Secretariat for a well-presented budget,” Madam Musayeroh Barrie said. “Sierra Leone wishes to support the budget proposal for 2026–2028 and urges other states to do so.”
Her remarks underlined Sierra Leone’s determination to strengthen global collaboration while advancing national and regional aviation priorities, particularly in safety oversight, regulatory reforms and sustainable development.
The 42nd ICAO Assembly, which opened on September 23, 2025, and closed on October 3, 2025, convened over 3,000 delegates, including Ministers, aviation regulators and industry leaders from around the world. Organized under the theme: “Safe Skies, Sustainable Future,” the Assembly represents ICAO’s highest policy forum, charting the course for international civil aviation policy and operations across a three-year cycle, including decisions on budgets, resolutions and strategies.
Budget deliberations carried particular weight. The proposed 2026–2028 framework, contained in working paper A42-WP/37, seeks to align ICAO’s finances with its Strategic Plan. It prioritizes funding for safety, security, environmental protection, sustainable aviation fuels and digital transformation. Approval of the budget directly influences ICAO’s ability to deliver technical support, implement oversight programs and assist developing countries.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s appointment as Vice Chairperson is widely viewed as a landmark achievement for Sierra Leone. The Commission plays a crucial role in examining financial and administrative questions that determine how ICAO deploys its resources, giving Sierra Leone greater influence over funding allocations vital for smaller and emerging states.
Observers described the development as a recognition of Sierra Leone’s growing reputation within the global aviation community. In recent years, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has undertaken reforms in air navigation planning, aviation safety oversight and workforce capacity building. Earlier this year, the SLCAA actively participated in ICAO symposia and regional initiatives, laying the groundwork for deeper engagement at the Assembly.
“This leadership role is both a responsibility and an opportunity,” Madam Musayeroh Barrie remarked in Montréal. “It will allow Sierra Leone to help shape ICAO’s programs in ways that reflect the realities of developing states and ensure that no country is left behind in achieving safer, more sustainable skies.”
Delegates at A42 stressed the importance of balancing ambitious aviation goals with prudent financial management. Many developing countries rely heavily on ICAO’s assistance to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve safety performance and meet environmental obligations. Without adequate funding, those critical programs could face disruption.
Sierra Leone’s support for the 2026–2028 budget echoes broader calls from industry stakeholders for stable financing to ensure continuity in ICAO’s work. The budget includes initiatives on reducing carbon emissions, advancing digital tools for oversight and accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels; all key components of global aviation’s transition toward a greener future.
Active engagement at this level promises immediate and long-term benefits for Sierra Leone, including improved access to ICAO technical assistance, stronger partnerships with regional and international bodies and enhanced visibility in shaping global policy.
The SLCAA views this development as a catalyst for advancing national priorities such as modernizing aviation infrastructure, building human resource capacity and ensuring compliance with international safety and security standards. By leveraging its leadership role within ICAO, Sierra Leone hopes to attract greater collaboration and support from partners across the aviation sector.
As the Assembly concluded its 11-day deliberations, attention turned to the formal adoption of the budget and other resolutions that will guide international civil aviation until 2028. With Sierra Leone’s voice amplified in ICAO’s decision-making structures, stakeholders expect the country to play a more prominent role in shaping initiatives that matter to small states and the African continent.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie expressed optimism that her tenure as Vice Chairperson will secure practical results not only for Sierra Leone but also for other developing nations. “Our collective efforts within ICAO must translate into real improvements in safety, sustainability and inclusivity,” she said. “For Sierra Leone, this is about creating opportunities, building resilience and ensuring that our skies remain safe and open for future generations.”
With its strong endorsement of ICAO’s budget and an influential leadership role at the heart of the organization’s financial decision-making, Sierra Leone has positioned itself as a committed partner in advancing the global aviation agenda.
