1) You need much longer than 2-3 days in each country. Africa moves very slowly.
2) Most of Africa is NOT french. I suggest you do a little more research on that part.
3) Doesn't matter what licence you hold, you will need to convert it to the local licence. So as long as it is a ICAO licence, you will be fine.
4) Why are you leaving Canada right now? There is a huge hiring boom happening there....