By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone has reinforced its growing presence within Africa’s aviation sector as the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musayeroh Barrie, participates in the African Air Transport Convention and Expo currently taking place in Lomé, Togo, from 15th to 19th June 2026.
The continental gathering has attracted some of Africa’s most influential political leaders, policymakers, aviation regulators, industry experts and development partners, including Paul Kagame, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové and Olusegun Obasanjo. The event is being held under the theme, “Single African Sky and Sustainable Air Transport Development,” focusing on advancing a more accessible, connected, affordable and environmentally sustainable aviation sector across the continent.
Organized with the support of the African Union, the African Continental Free Trade Area, AUDA-NEPAD and other key aviation stakeholders, the convention serves as one of Africa’s most significant platforms for discussing the future of air transport and regional integration.
Ms. Musayeroh Barrie is participating as a speaker and has also played a leading role in shaping discussions at the event. Her presence reflects Sierra Leone’s increasing commitment to aviation development and its active engagement in regional efforts aimed at strengthening connectivity, trade, tourism and economic growth through improved air transport systems.
A major highlight of her participation came during Panel Session 8, where she moderated discussions on “Women, Youth and Skills Development in Aviation.” The session brought together aviation professionals, regulators, airline executives and policymakers from across Africa to examine ways of building a skilled and inclusive workforce capable of supporting the continent’s rapidly expanding aviation industry.
As moderator, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie steered conversations on increasing opportunities for women and young people within the aviation sector, addressing existing skills shortages, promoting leadership development and strengthening workforce sustainability. Participants emphasized the importance of creating pathways that encourage greater participation of underrepresented groups while preparing the next generation of aviation professionals for future industry demands.
The panel featured several distinguished experts from leading aviation institutions across Africa and beyond. Among them were representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority, ANACIM, Ascend AI, Tradewinds Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Ninety-Nines, African Women in Aviation, Afrijet and the African Airlines Association.
The session opened with remarks from Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission, who stressed the importance of empowering women and youth as key drivers of innovation, inclusivity and long-term growth within Africa’s aviation ecosystem.
Discussions further highlighted the need for stronger mentorship programmes, greater investment in aviation education and training, gender-responsive policies and enhanced collaboration among Governments, regulators, airlines and industry stakeholders. Participants agreed that developing human capital remains critical to achieving a competitive and sustainable aviation industry capable of supporting Africa’s broader development ambitions.
The convention also continues to advance the objectives of the Single African Air Transport Market, an initiative designed to create a more integrated and efficient aviation network across the continent. By reducing barriers to air travel and improving connectivity, SAATM aims to facilitate trade, investment, tourism and economic cooperation among African countries.
For Sierra Leone, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie’s prominent participation at the convention underscores the country’s growing influence within continental aviation discussions and demonstrates its commitment to supporting reforms that promote regional integration, diversity, innovation and sustainable growth in Africa’s air transport sector.
