I ditto - you will HAVE to go there in person.. Just another head's up - like it or not - but it's most likely an ultimate requirement that you MUST bring ALL of your log book documentation - I'm not saying it has to be a traditional hand written one - but most of the aviation authorities in Africa are very stringent about documentation of your flight time. If you could have your books certified/stamped, signed and all that - you're more likely to avoid hassle by the issuing countries (for your licence or validation).
Now, being ex-airline myself, I know it was a God damn pain in the ass to produce this documentation, not having done it for 10 years, just relying on the airline to keep track. But like it or not - you will face problems if you don't accept this fact.