In a major milestone for Sierra Leone’s civil aviation sector, Musayeroh Barrie, director general of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), has been appointed vice-chairperson of the administrative commission of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) during ICAO’s 42nd General Assembly, held in Montréal, Canada, from September 23 to October 3, 2025.
At the Assembly, a leadership team was unveiled for the administrative commission. Mauricio Ramírez Koppel, permanent representative of Colombia to ICAO, was elected Chair, while three vice-chairs were appointed to support the commission’s strategic direction: Musayeroh Barrie, director general of Sierra Leone’s civil aviation authority; Angshumali Rastogi, India’s representative on the ICAO Council; and Saltanat Tompiyeva, chair of the civil aviation committee of Kazakhstan’s ministry of transport.
The administrative commission is a temprorary and subsidiary body of the ICAO Assembly. The Assembly meets every three years. Its mandate is to review and report on matters related to the Organization’s budget, finances, and administration. In particular, it examines ICAO’s budget, incurred expenditures, as well as the use and allocation of resources. It also makes recommendations on the financing of programs, staff management, and the efficiency of expenditures.
The administrative commission works in parallel with other bodies established during the Assembly, such as the Executive Committee, the Economic Commission, the Legal Commission, and the Technical Commission.
Barrie’s appointment symbolizes Sierra Leone’s rising influence in international aviation governance. For the first time in the nation’s history, it holds such a senior leadership position within ICAO, the UN’s specialized agency responsible for setting global standards in civil aviation. According to the SLCAA, this milestone cements Sierra Leone’s status as an emerging leader in global aviation governance and underscores the country’s ongoing commitment to aviation safety, regulatory oversight, and international cooperation.
Commenting on her appointment, Barrie stated: “This nomination is not just a personal honor, but a victory for our nation. It proves that with dedication, transparency, and respect for international standards, Sierra Leone can play a leading role on the global stage. I am humbled by this opportunity and ready to represent our country with diligence, integrity, and excellence.”
A trailblazer in African aviation
A pioneer in the African aviation sector, Musayeroh Barrie was appointed director general of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) in August 2023.
This appointment marked a historic turning point, as she became the first woman in the country to hold this position. She is currently also the youngest person in the world to lead a Civil Aviation Authority.
Since taking office, she has spearheaded a true revolution in Sierra Leonean aviation, characterized by increased connectivity, innovation, youth empowerment, and the inclusion of women. Today, over 50% of the SLCAA’s staff are under the age of 40, and more than 40% are under 35. Her advocacy for women in STEM and aviation earned her recognition among the 50 most influential women in Sierra Leone in July 2025.
Ms. Barrie holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, an MBA, and a diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) in the UK. She is also a certified Aviation Security Professional Manager (AVSEC PM). Her skills include organizational strategy development, strategic data management, and marketing strategies.
Before her appointment at the SLCAA, she spent over ten years managing aviation security operations at Freetown International Airport (FNA) for an international service provider, solidifying her expertise in aviation management and security.
Concrete reforms and bold vision
Under her leadership, the SLCAA has aligned its standards with those of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), achieving significant progress in regulatory compliance, safety oversight, and the modernization of aviation infrastructure.
Notable achievements include the reintroduction of the national carrier, Air Sierra Leone; the issuance of the first Air Operator Certificate (AOC) since 2008; and the resumption of direct Freetown-London flights. After nearly 20 years, the first flight took place on April 27, 2025—Sierra Leone’s national day.
Under her direction, Sierra Leone is now positioning itself as a growing regional and global aviation hub, with strengthened international partnerships, notably with the civil aviation authorities of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Italy, and South Africa.
In addition, Sierra Leone hosted the African Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Aviation Exhibition, an event aimed at fostering high-level engagement with key stakeholders, including public agencies responsible for transport, tourism, trade, and finance, as well as the National Implementation Committee (NIC).
Global partnerships and influence for the future
Musayeroh Barrie’s strategy is focused on the long term, as evidenced by the signing of a historic management services agreement with ICAO in 2024, the launch of Sierra Leone’s Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), the National Aviation Security Plan (NASP), and the National Air Navigation Plan (NANP).
Her pioneering approach, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence make Musayeroh Barrie a key figure in African aviation-poised to play a central role in the future of global aviation.
