Cairo:Cairo is set to host the second edition of the Stone Africa 2026 Exhibition, known as The Art of Stone, from November 12 to 15 at the Cairo International Conference Centre in Nasr City. The event will feature the participation of 200 international buyers from around 40 countries, focusing on marble, granite, and natural stone.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the exhibition aims to enhance Egypt's position in the global natural stone industry and open new markets for Egyptian products. The number of international buyers is expected to increase by 108% compared to the first edition, which saw participation from 96 buyers from 23 countries. Additionally, the exhibition space will expand by 15% to 20%, allowing major companies and factories to showcase their products and manufacturing capabilities to international buyers and industry professionals.
Ahmed Hafez, head of the Export Council for Building Materials, highlighted the growing international interest in Egypt's marble and granite industry. He emphasized that the increased international participation is anticipated to positively impact trade relations and export opportunities for Egyptian companies. The council aims to boost marble and granite exports by up to 50% by year's end through market expansion and direct engagement between exporters and international buyers.
Furthermore, Ahmed Abdel Hamid from the Building Materials Chamber at the Federation of Egyptian Industries noted the exhibition's role in strengthening trade relations with African markets. The participation of members from WONASA, an international natural stone industry organization, in the event's panel discussion is expected to enhance Egypt's global industry profile.
Ibrahim Ghali, also from the Building Materials Chamber, mentioned targets to increase exports to European, Gulf, and new African markets, with specific focus on countries like Britain, France, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Morocco. The exhibition will offer a platform for Egyptian companies to secure new contracts and expand their customer base, particularly for value-added products.
The exhibition will also feature a comprehensive range of natural stone products and technologies, alongside a specialized conference addressing economic and technical issues in the industry. The event will include sessions on value addition, marble care, global trends, and a designers’ forum, culminating in an awards ceremony honoring industry pioneers.