Analysts predict Africa’s development priorities could take a knock from the US credit crisis. Even as the fear intensifies across the continent, one company is confident its efforts to fundraise will not be derailed.

The Kenya Railway Corporation (KRC) is hoping to raise Ksh200 billion it requires from international partners to implement its ambitious plan which involves improving the rails infrastructure.

KRC also wants to develop its vast idle lands in order to increase revenue. It is looking to find a strategic partner for concessioning or to enter into a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement with interested investors.

Railways officials say investors in different countries are warming up to the investment opportunity, and it is just a matter of time before a deal is sealed.

Meanwhile, trade experts are forecasting the global credit meltdown could delay multilateral trade talks, or even completely derail negotiations.

Trade researcher Peter Draper says the tendency of protectionism that was experienced after the second world war is here again, as countries seek to protect their economies in the wake of the worst global economic crisis since the 1930s.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has said the Doha talks will not be concluded this year.