Hi,
Ya I've heard the regulatory procedures are a nightmare in those places, lots of 'grease' money required to get things going.
The agencies don't always deliver and seem more geared up to placing engineers,deck crew and hosties. I suppose it's like most things in airline business, it's who you know and as you say, getting into the inner circle in some parts can be difficult, grease money comes to mind again
You read alot about how some African economies are experiencing double digit growth, Uganda being one example, so perhaps now is their time, who knows.
Anyway, all the best with it,
D.O.G