Halilat Gbaiye is a Master’s student at the University of Ottawa where her research interests address data localization and cross-border data transfers in Africa. In particular she is seeking to compare data governance approaches in south-south trade agreements and then contrast them with the emerging data governance framework under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting best practices and lessons that could inform the development of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade. 

Halilat is a highly disciplined lawyer, with a penchant for excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Crescent University, Nigeria. She is a Barrister and Solicitor in Nigeria, having joined the Bar in 2021. She specializes in Corporate/Commercial practices and Technology law.