By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musayeroh Barrie, has added another milestone to her distinguished leadership journey after being honoured with the Africa Women Leadership Impact Award and delivering the keynote address at the launch of the Africa Women Summit (AWS) UK Chapter.
The prestigious event, themed :“Daring to Rise, Excel, Achieve and Make an Impact (D.R.E.A.M. Live 2.0)”, was held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at JK Banquets, Mitcham, London, bringing together influential African women leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs from across the continent and the diaspora to celebrate excellence, empowerment and innovation.
In her captivating keynote address, Musayeroh Barrie shared her remarkable personal journey one that began in Sierra Leone, continued in the United Kingdom and came full circle when she returned home at age 23. “I went back for a short holiday and that visit changed everything. What was meant to be temporary became permanent. I didn’t just go home; I found purpose and belonging,” she said.
She recalled how starting from scratch, without a notable family name or social connections, strengthened her resilience and belief in divine purpose and hard work. Her message to young people, particularly those in the diaspora, was simple yet profound: “The road isn’t paved in gold, but it can be done.”
Reflecting on her historic appointment in August 2023 as the first female and youngest Director General of a Civil Aviation Authority in the world, she noted that stepping into a technically demanding and traditionally male-dominated field was both humbling and daunting. “I was excited, proud and terrified; not because I doubted myself but because I had to balance leadership with motherhood,” she shared.
Musayeroh Barrie paid heartfelt tribute to her mother, who left her job in the UK to support her new journey in Sierra Leone. “When you see a woman thriving, know there’s a support system helping her stand tall,” she emphasized, dedicating her award to her mother, sisters and all women whose silent support fuels progress.
She also reflected on her leadership at the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, where she has spearheaded reforms aimed at transforming the country’s aviation landscape. “Civil aviation in Sierra Leone is no longer about moving people from point A to B. It’s about opening our skies to opportunity; ensuring safety, sustainability and sovereignty,” she said. She pointed to the relaunch of Air Sierra Leone, the establishment of a direct flight from Freetown to London Gatwick, and the strengthening of regulatory frameworks and safety oversight as key achievements that symbolize Sierra Leone’s renewed connectivity and global presence.
Musayeroh Barrie underscored that achievement is not about titles but about creating meaningful impact. “My proudest achievements are those that create new pathways for young African women so we can dream bigger, go further and fly higher,” she said. She extended gratitude to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for his confidence in her and for empowering young women based on credibility, capacity, and vision rather than lineage or tribe.
She concluded her keynote with a powerful call to action: “This summit must be more than a celebration; it must be a launchpad for African women to collaborate across borders, sectors, and generations. When African women rise, entire nations rise with us.”
During the ceremony, organizers of the Africa Women Summit described Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership as “nothing short of transformative.” They praised her for championing civil aviation excellence, spearheading Sierra Leone’s air transport modernization and representing the nation with distinction at international forums such as the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. They also cited her recognition as one of Sierra Leone’s 50 Most Influential Women in 2025 as further proof of her trailblazing leadership and commitment to gender inclusion in a male-dominated sector.
“In recognition of these remarkable contributions to leadership, institutional transformation and women’s empowerment, we are honoured to present you with the Africa Women Leadership Impact Award,” the citation read, commending her for inspiring a generation of African women through her dedication and vision.
Back home, under her dynamic leadership, the SLCAA continues to demonstrate innovation and inclusivity. On October 25, 2025, the Authority organized a Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) airport tour to inspire schoolchildren to explore aviation careers, featuring check-in simulations, firefighting demonstrations, and guided tours of the Freetown International Airport.
Addressing the young participants, Musayeroh Barrie encouraged them to broaden their aspirations beyond traditional professions. “There are more opportunities than being a lawyer or a doctor. We must help our children discover their potential because they are the foundation of our future,” she said.
Her visionary leadership has transformed the SLCAA into a model of institutional renewal, with over half of its workforce now under the age of 40—a reflection of her commitment to generational succession and gender inclusion. Earlier this year, she represented Sierra Leone at the 42nd ICAO Assembly (A42) under the theme “Safe Skies, Sustainable Future,” where she served as Vice Chairperson of the Administrative Commission.
Musayeroh Barrie, the first female Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and one of Africa’s youngest aviation executives, continues to break barriers and redefine leadership. Her story, rooted in courage, conviction and purpose, serves as a shining beacon of inspiration for women across Africa and the diaspora.
