An inspection party including International Francophone Organisation (OIF) director Zeina Mina and representatives from Belgium, Canada and France toured installations to be used and are set to return later to monitor further progress.

"We have reviewed all the health, safety and transport aspects," National Francophone Games Committee (CNJF) director Isidore Kwandja Ngembo insisted.

The party was taken to the University of Kinshasa where accommodation has been refurbished for use as athlete accommodation.

"Today we came to see the locations, the quality of the rooms," Ngembo explained.

"I therefore leave it to the discretion of the various delegations, we are working day and night for these Games to take place here in Kinshasa next July and August."

The group also visited the Stade des Martyrs which is set to stage Opening and Closing Ceremonies and athletics competition.

The Tata Raphaël Stadium venue for the celebrated world boxing heavyweight title fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974 is listed for football during the Games.

Officials also inspected the National Police Gymnasium, built with Japanese assistance and described as a "jewel" by Prime Minister Sama Lukonde.

Primarily set for judo, it could host five sports at the Games.

French delegation head Daniel Zielinski vowed to return for another inspection in May.

"I visited the future Judo Stadium and the table tennis one, it's good because it's modern and up to standard," Zielinski said.

"It's off to a good start and that tends to reassure us."

The HJ Hospital in the Limete municipality has been designated as official healthcare facility for the Games.

"I see that the work is progressing well," Zielinski added.

"I saw some very nice things and things that need to be improved."

Officials also visited the People's Palace, the National Museum, Academy of Fine Arts and the French Institute of Kinshasa where the cultural events are expected to take place.

Entries have now closed for the contest to select a Games mascot.

"This mascot must have a name and symbolise the identity and values of the Games of La Francophonie as well as of the host country," Ngembo said.

"It will be used on all communication tools."

A prize of $5,000 (£4,150/€4,670) is on offer for the successful design in a competition open to those between 18 and 35.

The entries will be submitted to a judging jury which will comprise teachers from the Institut National des Arts and Académie des Beaux-Arts, a CNJF representative and a member of the public.

A public poll is also to be held and an announcement of the winning mascot is expected on March 10.

Organisers have also launched a search for Games volunteers.

A group of 32 young people has already been drawn from eight French speaking countries in Africa to work in areas including reception, protocol, accommodation and catering.

They are to receive special training in courses conducted in association with the Senghor University in Alexandria.

The Francophone Games are scheduled to open on July 28 and will continue until August 6.