raProMo: The Free Promotion Hub in Madagascar

Source: Dev.to

🛠️ What I Built

I built a 100 % free web application where anyone can show or view promotions across Madagascar.
It functions like an e‑commerce site, free for both buyers and sellers:

• Sellers can create an online store and list products or promotions.
• Buyers can browse promotions and place orders.

📽️ My Pitch Video

Enjoy the view of Madagascar Street…

🎬 Demo

• Visit the live site:
• Create an account to set up a store and add products.
• Tutorials are available on YouTube: @Rapromo_mg
• More information on the Facebook page: Rapromo

📜 The Story Behind It

💡 The day the idea came

While on a bus I noticed many stores displaying “promotion” signs on their doors. If you never pass by a store, you never know about its discount. I wondered how people could learn about promotions without physically traveling. The solution: put this information online so anyone in Madagascar can see it, visit the store, or order directly. Thus rapromo.mg was born.

✏️ The name “rapromo”

• ra – Malagasy names often start with “Ra”.
• promo – Short for “promotion”, reflecting the core purpose.

📝 The principle

• 100 % free – No cost barrier for users.
• No ads – All users receive equal visibility; no advertising to ensure fairness.
• Privacy‑respecting – Personal information is never used or sold.

🌻 What makes it special

In Madagascar, internet access remains a luxury and there is a significant socioeconomic gap. Rapromo aims to create a space where Malagasy people can discover and showcase affordable (“moramora”) products with equal rights to information. The service is free; we only accept donations via “rakitra” (similar to “Buy Me a Coffee”).

👩🏻‍💻 Technical Highlights

• Backend: Python with the Django framework.
• Database: MariaDB.
• Deployment: Docker Swarm with Traefik as a reverse proxy.
• Future plans: Mobile application for buyers.

🚀 Use of Mux

Mux powers the video experience:

• Hosts the pitch video in this post and on the site’s info page.
• Provides fast, high‑quality playback.

Discover and use Rapromo at .
Follow us on Facebook.

Thank you for your time.