but i dont have direct knowledge of all their procedures
Often subject to change without notice purely dependant on who you know/are or both.
Would you say that operators of eastern bloc aircraft running crews of ukrainians etc, are almost a different animal than those run by westerners?
Definitely.
and might be greasing wheels when it comes to beaucracy?
Sound business survival skill on the dark continent.
you know people in high places, you'll be successful, you dont know people in high places, life will be a
misery!
To the point, accurate and succinct.
My advice, don't bother as a one man band in Africa, especially with a piston plane and no top cover from VIP's. Even with top cover, be VERY careful.