Built for the African photographer, by Africans.
A small team of Somali and East African engineers, designers and photographers building the studio software our community has needed for a decade.
Photographers in the region deserve world-class tools.
For too long, photographers in Mogadishu, Hargeisa and Nairobi have had to bend foreign software around mobile-money payments, patchy internet and Af-Soomaali clients. The result is hours lost every week, revenue left on the table, and a brand experience that doesn't match the quality of the work.
Ona Kiyo exists to close that gap. We're building the platform we wished existed when we started shooting — one that respects local payments, local languages and the realities of running a creative business across the Horn of Africa. We're in early access, and we build it in the open.
Four values guide every decision.
Local first
Every feature is designed with our studios in the room. EVC Plus, eDahab and Af-Soomaali aren't add-ons — they're defaults.
Privacy matters
Your photos and your clients' data belong to you. We never sell data, never train AI on your work, and never share without consent.
Built in the open
We build alongside the photographers who use this — taking the workflow from real studios, and telling you honestly what's live and what's still landing.
Simplicity
Software should disappear. We obsess over every click, every load time and every line of copy so you can focus on shooting.
A small team, building in the open.
Ona Kiyo is built by a small group of Somali and East African engineers and photographers. We're early — in early access, shipping in the open — and we'd rather introduce you to the product than to invented headshots. As the team grows, this is where you'll meet us.
Honest about the road so far — and ahead.
- Entry 01
Now
Early access
The core is live: branded galleries, projects, quotes and contracts, and mobile-money invoicing built around EVC Plus, eDahab and Sahal.
- Entry 02
Next
Live mobile-money settlement
Moving billing from preview to live, method by method — and flagging in-app which is which, so you always know what's real.
- Entry 03
Then
Af-Soomaali & Swahili
Localised client-facing pages and studio UI, so your clients read everything in their own language.
- Entry 04
Ahead
Open to every studio
A public launch across Somalia, Somaliland and Kenya — once early-access studios tell us it's ready.
Join our journey.
Whether you want to ship your first gallery or help shape the product, we'd love to hear from you.