Madam Musayeroh Barrie is the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), a trailblazer in Africa’s aviation sector.
Appointed in August 2023, she made history as Sierra Leone’s first female Director General of Civil Aviation and is currently one of the youngest globally to hold this prestigious position.
Her leadership has ushered in a new era of connectivity, innovation, and youth empowerment in the Sierra Leonean aviation industry.
Madam Barrie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Masters Degree in Buisness Administration, and a Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) in the United Kingdom.
Her core competency includes Developing Organizational Strategy, Strategic Data Management and Marketing Strategies. Madam Barrie is also a certified Aviation Security Professional Manager (AVSEC PM), further strengthening her expertise in aviation security and management.
Before her appointment as Director General, Madam Barrie was the Country Director for an international Aviation Security Services provider for over a decade, overseeing security operations at Freetown International Airport (FNA).
Since taking the helm at SLCAA, Madam Barrie has made significant strides in modernizing Sierra Leone’s aviation infrastructure, including the reintroduction of the flag carrier Air Sierra Leone, the issuance of the country’s first Air Operator Certificate (AOC) since 2008, and the revival of direct flight between Freetown and London.
Madam Barrie is also known for her commitment to youth empowerment and gender inclusion. Over 50% of SLCAA staff are now under 40, with more than 40% under 35, reflecting her dedication to nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals.
Her advocacy for women in STEM and aviation has earned her national recognition, including being named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Sierra Leone in July 2025.
Her leadership has positioned Sierra Leone as a growing hub in regional and global aviation, with enhanced international partnerships, including cooperation with the UAE, Qatar, and South African Civil Aviation Authorities.
Madam Barrie’s vision for the future includes a focus on long-term strategic planning, as demonstrated by signing a landmark Management Service Agreement with ICAO in 2024, Initiating the development of the Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP), and National Air Navigation Plan (NANP).
Her pioneering approach, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence make her a highly respected figure in the African aviation industry, poised to play a key role in shaping the future of global aviation.