Shopify agency for Malagasy brands
Shopify stores for Malagasy producers of vanilla, spices, essential oils and crafts, connecting a unique island with customers in France and worldwide.
Shopify experts for Madagascar brands
Madagascar’s domestic eCommerce market is still small, with low card use and most local payments made in cash or by mobile money. The island’s products, however, are known worldwide: Madagascar grows most of the world’s vanilla, as well as cloves, pepper and cocoa, and produces ylang-ylang and other essential oils, raffia baskets and embroidered textiles. Selling these products directly to customers abroad is where Shopify can make the biggest difference.
BOOST STAR Experts helps Malagasy businesses build realistic Shopify stores. For export brands, that usually means French and English storefronts, international payments through a partner or company abroad and shipping planned around documents and air freight. For local sales in Antananarivo, we set up mobile money and cash on delivery. Marketing focuses on France, the diaspora and buyers who value origin and fair trade.
Selling online in Madagascar: what your store needs
Mobile money and international cards
Inside Madagascar, MVola, Orange Money and Airtel Money are the main digital payment methods, while cash remains common. Bank cards are less widespread. Few international gateways onboard Malagasy businesses directly, so export-focused stores often accept foreign cards and PayPal through a partner or entity registered in France or another country.
TVA, data law and export rules
Madagascar applies TVA (VAT) at a standard rate of 20%. A national law on personal data protection sets rules for handling customer information. Exports of vanilla, spices and essential oils need certificates of origin and phytosanitary documents, and vanilla exports in particular are closely regulated by the authorities.
Air freight and island logistics
International parcels leave mainly through Ivato airport near Antananarivo. Paositra Malagasy, the national post, and express couriers such as DHL handle shipments abroad. Roads between regions can be slow, especially in the rainy season, so many exporters gather stock in the capital before shipping.
French buyers and origin stories
France is the largest export market and home to a large Malagasy diaspora, so French-language content is essential. Customers buying vanilla, spices and crafts want to know where products come from, how farmers are paid and how quality is checked. Clear origin stories and certifications such as organic or fair trade help justify premium prices.
Payments, delivery and compliance in Madagascar
- MVola
- Orange Money
- Airtel Money
- International cards via partner gateway
- PayPal (via foreign entity)
- Cash on delivery (local)
- Paositra Malagasy
- DHL Express
- Air freight from Ivato
- Fulfilment partner in France
- TVA (20%)
- Personal data protection law
- Certificates of origin & phytosanitary documents
- Vanilla export regulations
Shopify agency services across Madagascar
Industries we help in Madagascar
Working together
Madagascar is 2.5 hours behind India throughout the year. Most of your working day overlaps with ours, so calls can be held in your morning or early afternoon and replies usually come the same day.
Time zone: EAT (UTC+3, no daylight saving). Currency: MGA (ariary). Languages: Malagasy, French.
How we work
Discovery call
We learn your goals, catalogue, tech stack and market, then agree what success looks like.
Audit & roadmap
A store, SEO and competitor audit turns into a prioritised roadmap with a timeline and fixed quote.
Design & build
UX, design and development in sprints, with a private preview store you review at every step.
Launch
QA across devices, redirects, tracking and a planned go-live with no downtime.
Grow
SEO, CRO and paid campaigns compound results month after month, with clear reporting.
Ongoing support
A dedicated team for fixes, new features and seasonal campaigns when you need them.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Malagasy business accept international payments on Shopify?
It is possible but needs planning. Many export-focused businesses work with a partner or company registered abroad to accept cards and PayPal, while local customers pay with MVola, Orange Money or cash. We help you understand the options and set up a practical structure.
Can we sell vanilla and spices directly to consumers abroad?
Yes, many brands do. We set shipping zones for countries where your products are allowed, add origin, grade and storage information to product pages and connect a courier or fulfilment partner. Export documents must be in order, so we work alongside your exporter.
Is a fulfilment partner in France worth it?
For regular sales to Europe, often yes. Sending stock in bulk to a warehouse in France means faster delivery, lower costs per order and simpler customs for individual customers. We connect the warehouse to Shopify so orders and tracking update automatically.
How do our working hours match?
Madagascar is only 2.5 hours behind India, so most of your working day overlaps with ours. We can meet at times that suit you, share progress on a project board and respond to questions quickly, usually on the same day.
Should our store be in French, English or Malagasy?
French for France and other French-speaking markets, English for the US, UK and wider audiences, and Malagasy for local customers if you sell in Madagascar. Shopify Markets lets you run several languages and currencies on one store, with each market seeing the right content.