Quote: ".....and the second you say "Africa" the insurance companies get all scared."
Presumably this refers to Canadian insurance companies. Try contacting insurance companies who are familiar with Africa. Remember that all those pilots who are citizens of various African countries and who live and work there also need life insurance. They get it somewhere!
Old Mutual
Old Mutual | Home and Sanlam
Sanlam - Home are two good large insurance and financial services companies based in South Africa. They have expanded their services overseas, including to Europe and North America, so it should be possible to obtain life insurance through their foreign offices and in a currency to suit your future needs.