Heading to North Africa seems like a case begging for an expedition grade touring bike. 26” tires, although slower on good pavement (IMO) are probably optimal for use in the Third World. A tough frame, strong wheels and racks, low gearing and comfortable are what I would recommend. A LHT frame would probably be fine. There are others as well. You may be light enough that 36 hole wheels would work fine, but I am one of these guys who has had trouble on past trips in pretty benign conditions, so I like 40 hole in 26”. A tough rear rack is the Tubus Cargo. I am not sure what the best front rack is. I have racks from Jack Taylor that I modified, but they aren’t available now.
Good luck. It sounds like fun.