Daniel Tonga’s biography, net worth, fact, career, awards and life story

Daniel Tonga is an award winning journalist, economist, author and accomplished communications professional with a proven track record in media and communications. He previously served as Editor, Producer and Head of News Department at Prime Television Zambia.

Daniel was a contributing researcher to a book, “An Enterprise Map of Zambia” commissioned by International Growth Centre ICG and London School of Economics which profiles leading industry companies in Zambia.

He has authored several research papers which have been published by different media and communications journals.

As a freelance journalist, Daniel has contributed his work to world’s leading media outlets including Voice of America VOA, France24, Kenya Television Network KTN, Talk Radio 702 among others.

Daniel holds a Diploma in Journalism, Bachelor’s Degree BA Economics and Master’s Degree MA in Global Business Journalism. He is also practicing Public Relations and Communications specialist with a leading public relations private consulting firm in Zambia.

Early Life and Education

Tonga was born in Lusaka, Zambia. His father, Yorum Tonga, was a sales manager working for Zambia Bottlers Limited and his mother, Ajessi Tonga, was a teacher. Tonga was raised in Chawama Compound and attended elementary school at Twatasha Primary School. Later, he attended high school at Libala, Kamulanga, Broadway and Bwacha High schools.

Tonga studied journalism at City College of Management Studies under Institute of Commercial Management ICM, London where he graduated with a Diploma in Journalism. He later pursued several journalism trainings within Zambia and abroad.

He studied Economics at Livingstone International University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management LIUTEBM, Lusaka, Zambia and graduated with Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He pursued Global Journalism at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Global Business Journalism.

Journalism Career

Upon graduating with a Diploma in journalism from City College of Management Studies under Institute of Commercial Management ICM of London, Tonga joined radio Choice FM as a reporter and began his practising journalism. Since then, Tonga worked for various local media organisations.

Tonga, has worked on a freelance basis for Voice of America VOA, France24, Talk Radio 702 and Kenyan Television Network where he contributed stories from Zambia.

Research and Publications

Tonga has authored research papers in media and communications. His research papers have been published by a communications journal, African Journal of Media and Communication Studies. His research include;

• The impact of new media technologies on Zambia’s 2016 presidential elections.
• Xenophobia and its impact on culture integration a critical analysis of Zambia’s case

Tonga’s research papers have also published by GRIN, a German institute specialized in the publication of academic research, e-books and books.

Tonga has done research and helped produce a book,  ‘An Enterprise Map of Zambia’  with Sir John Hicks Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics and Gillian Langmead managing director of Zambia-based communications firm Langmead & Baker Ltd.

He has published with Communication Initiative Network and his articles include;

• Zambia’s Modern Day Politicians and Lost Art of Rhetoric.
• Zambia’s Changing Media Face: Politics and Media Unlikely Friends

Awards and Recognition

In 2014, Tonga won Best Business Reporting award organised by the Media Institute of Southern Africa MISA – Zambia.

In 2016, he graduated as Best Overall Economics Student at LIUTEBM University.

Professional Membership

Currently, Tonga is a member of the Media Institute of Southern Africa MISA Zambia, African Editors Economics Editors Network A.E.E.N and Member of Communication Initiative Network.