Professor David Mhlanga is an award-winning economist and higher education professional with extensive experience in teaching, research, and policy engagement across Africa and Australia. He currently serves as an Extraordinary Professor at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and an Extraordinary Associate Professor at North-West University. In Australia, he is a Teaching Associate at Monash University and a Lecturer at ACAP University College. He also leads research and consulting initiatives as Principal Consultant at the Econowrite Institute for Policy Innovation & Development (EIPID) in Melbourne. He holds a PhD in Economics from North-West University, an MCom in Economics from Midlands State University, and a BSc Honours in Economics from the University of Zimbabwe. His research focuses on development economics, financial inclusion (FinTech), artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable development, with particular emphasis on the implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for economic systems, policy, and social outcomes. Professor Mhlanga has published several peer-reviewed journal articles and has presented at numerous international conferences. His work has attracted more than 8,700 citations, reflecting strong academic impact. He has also contributed to policy and research initiatives, including work with the Namibia Fourth Industrial Revolution Task Force and national training development projects in South Africa. His achievements include multiple research excellence awards and teaching awards, recognising his contributions to scholarship and student engagement. He currently serves on the Scientific Panel on AI and Economic Inclusion under the International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE), contributing to global discussions on ethical AI and inclusive development.