Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), advocated for increased grassroots action and personal responsibility to advance African aviation. Speaking in Lomé, Togo, from June 15 to 19, 2026, during discussions on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and industry strengthening, Ms. Barrie emphasized, "Action begins with us." She further stated, "While governments have responsibilities, real transformation comes when individuals take bold action without waiting for directives." Her comments showed the importance of individual contributions to the continent's aviation future. These discussions focused specifically on strategies for advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and strengthening the continent’s aviation industry.
Call for Personal Responsibility
Madam Musayeroh Barrie challenged women and other aviation stakeholders to move beyond dependence on government directives. She stated that meaningful implementation of development programs should not be confined to national institutions alone but must also be reflected in communities. Ms. Barrie emphasized that "Action begins with us," further adding, "While governments have responsibilities, real transformation comes when individuals take bold action without waiting for directives." She urged governments, private sector institutions, and development partners to continue creating opportunities for women and young people to acquire essential skills and leadership experience within the sector. She specifically challenged women and stakeholders to move beyond dependence on government directives, asserting that proactive engagement is key for progress.
Grassroots Empowerment Imperative
Madam Musayeroh Barrie encouraged participants to adopt a proactive mindset by taking responsibility within their homes, workplaces, and local communities. Her message reinforced the importance of community participation, women-led initiatives, and local ownership in advancing aviation development across Africa. Madam Barrie stated that empowering women at the grassroots level is critical to building a stronger, more inclusive, and competitive aviation industry. She encouraged participants to adopt a proactive mindset by taking responsibility within their homes, workplaces, and communities, fostering a culture of self-reliance and initiative.
Broader Aviation Context
The remarks were delivered during the Women, Youth and Skills Development session at the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026. This significant event was held from June 15 to 19, 2026, in Lomé, Togo. The convention was organised by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and other partners. The convention convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including ministers responsible for transport and aviation, civil aviation regulators, airline executives, airport operators, investors, development partners, and industry experts. The gathering served as a key platform for addressing various challenges and opportunities within Africa's aviation sector, with a particular focus on human capital development and regulatory frameworks. Discussions at the convention focused on strategies for advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and strengthening the continent’s aviation industry.
Urgency for Transformation
Madam Musayeroh Barrie argued that progress is often delayed when stakeholders wait for instructions from presidents, ministers, or other public officials. She called upon women, youth organisations, professional bodies, and community leaders to collectively promote leadership, skills development, and mentorship initiatives. Barrie stated that Africa must accelerate its pace of implementation to achieve ambitions under the Single African Air Transport Market and other continental development frameworks. She argued that waiting for instructions from presidents, ministers, or other public officials often delays progress, hindering the continent's aviation aspirations. To counteract this, she called on women, youth organisations, professional bodies, and community leaders to work collectively in promoting leadership, skills development, and mentorship initiatives across the sector. She showed that Africa must accelerate the pace of implementation to achieve its ambitions under the Single African Air Transport Market and other continental development frameworks.