Offshore development: How to create a mobile application while keeping your budget in check?

In an increasingly competitive economic landscape, developing a mobile application offshore is a strategic solution for companies looking to balance innovation and cost control. Offshore development provides access to skilled talent at a lower cost while maintaining a high level of quality. But how can you succeed in such a project without compromising your goals? In this article, discover all the key steps and best practices.

Why opt for offshore development of a mobile application?

Cost Reduction

One of the main advantages of offshore development is undoubtedly the significant reduction in production costs. By outsourcing development to countries like Madagascar or Mauritius, companies benefit from rates far lower than those in Europe or North America.

Access to a pool of talent

Offshore development also opens the door to a wide range of technical and creative skills. Specialized offshore agencies typically have experienced multidisciplinary teams: mobile developers, UX/UI designers, project managers, QA testers, and more.

Time savings

Working with offshore teams often allows you to set up a 24/7 team rotation. This can significantly speed up development and time-to-market.

Steps to successfully create an offshore mobile application

1. Define your needs and objectives

Before even contacting an offshore agency, it is essential to write a detailed specifications document. This should include:

• A functional description of the application
  
   
• Target platforms (iOS, Android, or cross-platform)
  
   
• Estimated budget
  
   
• Desired timelines
  
   
• Success criteria
  
   

A well-structured brief facilitates communication with the development team and minimizes the risk of misunderstandings.

2. Choose the right offshore partner

Choosing the right provider is a decisive step. Here are a few criteria to consider:

• Experience in mobile development
  
   
• Client references and portfolio
  
   
• Language of communication
  
   
• Project follow-up organization
  
   
• Methodology (Agile, Scrum, etc.)
  
   

3. Implement a rigorous project management process

To ensure project success, communication and project management must be smooth and transparent. It’s advisable to use tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana, and schedule regular meetings with the project manager.

Best practices for a smooth offshore project

Prioritize the MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Instead of launching a full-featured application from the start, focus on an MVP version. This allows for quick product testing, user feedback collection, and future iteration optimization.

Protect intellectual property

Make sure your contract with the provider contains clear clauses regarding source code ownership, confidentiality, and non-compete. If in doubt, consult a specialized lawyer.

Invest in UX/UI design

Even when developing offshore, never compromise on user experience quality. A well-designed interface and navigation will greatly enhance user engagement.

Test regularly

Testing should be carried out at every development phase (unit tests, functional tests, acceptance tests, etc.). QA outsourcing can also be considered to optimize costs.

Where to outsource your mobile app development?

For French-speaking companies looking to offshore their mobile app development, two top destinations stand out: Mauritius and Madagascar.

🇲🇺 Mauritius: A growing tech hub

With a stable environment, skilled workforce, and excellent French proficiency, Mauritius has emerged as a strategic IT outsourcing destination. The country also benefits from a favorable time zone relative to Europe, facilitating project coordination.

To learn more, read our article on: Why choose a web developer in Mauritius?

🇲🇬 Madagascar: Agility with controlled costs

Madagascar offers recognized technical expertise at very competitive rates. It is an increasingly popular destination for mobile development projects, thanks to quality training and high adaptability of local teams.
At Esokia, we have production centers in Mauritius and Madagascar, enabling seamless, efficient, and 100% French-speaking collaboration with our clients.

Keep your budget under control with offshore development

By following these steps and applying best practices, you can create a mobile application offshore in an efficient, fast, and cost-effective way. Offshore doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on quality: it’s all about choosing the right provider, using proper project management methods, and having a long-term vision.

Entrust your project to our offshore development experts

With over 15 years of experience, Esokia supports you from the idea stage to the launch of your mobile application.

Contact us to launch your mobile application!