The treaty resulted from converging Malagasy and British interests. Radama I sought diplomatic support and access to Tamatave and the eastern coast, while Sir Robert Townsend Farquhar wanted influence in Madagascar, access to cattle and rice, markets for Mauritian manufactures, and Malagasy cooperation against the slave trade. Initial negotiations produced a treaty of friendship and commerce in February 1817, but its omission of the slave trade dissatisfied Farquhar.

James Hastie led the subsequent British mission to Antananarivo. He presented Radama with horses, a compass, a world map, a chiming clock, and other gifts, then negotiated compensation for the economic losses that Radama associated with abolishing the slave trade. The proposed compensation included gold and silver payments, gunpowder, muskets, uniforms, swords, cloth, and horses.

The final treaty was signed at Tamatave on 23 October 1817. It recognized Radama as king of the whole of Madagascar and linked the expansion of British influence to the strengthening of the Merina monarchy. Although British non-payment later damaged relations, Radama accepted renewed negotiations, and the treaty was renewed on 11 October 1820. A separate agreement also permitted British missionaries to work in Madagascar.