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David Mhlanga is a leading voice at the intersection of artificial intelligence, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and sustainable development, with a particular focus on Africa. His work critically examines how emerging technologies can address pressing global challenges, most notably poverty reduction and food security. In his highly cited 2020 paper, "Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Poverty Reduction in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)" (34 citations), Mhlanga confronts the sobering reality that the world is off-track to meet the 2030 extreme poverty target, arguing that AI offers a promising, though not automatic, pathway to accelerate progress. He extends this analysis to the agricultural sector in his 2025 work, "The role of industry 4.0 in global food security" (16 citations), where he systematically explores how 4IR technologies can enhance every dimension of food security—availability, access, utilization, and stability. With additional papers on the evolution of AI and its potential for economic growth in Africa, Mhlanga has established himself as a key scholar translating the promise of the Fourth Industrial Revolution into actionable strategies for the Global South. His research is essential reading for anyone interested in the responsible deployment of technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.