Might catch a bit of slack for this but if you can B190 rating would be better. 200's on contract and charter as well are a bit through. (I flew them and I love them!).
Contract flying is an experience that all pilots should go through. Its a right of passage and the experience gained, you will not get on local charter, I dont really care what anyone says. Different weather, accents on the radio (if they even get it right), fields, customs and mentalities, levels of competence of different african ATC's etc. B190's EVERYWHERE on contract!
You can do the ratings privately which might be cheaper than through big companies. If you do them privately, do them with the right people.