Vision Fairs announces the second edition of Stone Africa, taking place 12–15 November 2026 at the Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Center (CICC), under the new theme: “The Art of Stone.”
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Stone Africa 2026 expands in scale and ambition, positioning Egypt not only as a regional hub, but as a strategic gateway connecting African natural stone resources with global markets.
A Market Defined by Scale and Growth
Africa’s construction and infrastructure sectors are valued at over $180 billion annually, driving sustained demand for marble, granite, and engineered stone. At the same time:
- Global natural stone trade exceeds $50 billion annually
- Africa remains underrepresented in global exports, despite vast reserves
- Demand is rising across GCC, Europe, and Asia for competitively processed stone products
Stone Africa is designed to close this gap—transforming resource-rich Africa into a value-added export powerhouse.
Egypt: The Industrial Engine of African Stone
At the center of this transformation is Egypt, home to:
- Shaq El-Thoaban, recognized as the largest marble and granite industrial zone in the world
- 2,000+ factories and workshops dedicated to stone processing
- A workforce of hundreds of thousands of skilled laborers
- Strategic trade access to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East
Egypt imports raw stone blocks from countries such as Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Brazil, processes them at scale, and re-exports high-value finished products globally.
- Egypt’s natural stone exports exceed $300 million annually
- Key export markets include Libya, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Sudan, and European countries
- Significant growth potential exists in intra-African trade under AfCFTA
From Africa to the World — and Back
Stone Africa 2026 embraces a dual-directional trade model:
- From Africa to the World: Showcasing raw materials and finished products from African producers to international buyers
- To Africa: Facilitating imports of machinery, technology, and raw materials to upgrade African processing capabilities
This model positions the exhibition as a complete value-chain platform, covering:
- Quarrying and raw materials
- Processing technologies and machinery
- Finished marble, granite, and stone products
- Design, architecture, and applications
What’s New in 2026
Responding to strong industry demand, the 2026 edition introduces:
- 4 exhibition days (expanded from 3)
- Doubled exhibition space
- A dedicated Machinery Hall
- Introduction of the Marble Art sector, aligning with the theme “The Art of Stone”
- Africa Pavilions representing leading stone-producing countries
- Target of 200+ hosted buyers from Africa, GCC, and Europe
A Platform for Trade, Design, and Innovation
Stone Africa is not only a trade exhibition—it is a platform where industry meets design.
Under the theme “The Art of Stone,” the event highlights:
- The transformation of raw materials into architectural and artistic masterpieces
- The role of stone in modern urban development
- The integration of craftsmanship, machinery, and design innovation
A specialized conference program will further explore:
- Export strategies and global demand trends
- Egypt’s role in international stone supply chains
- Technology upgrades and industrial modernization
Driving Intra-African Trade
With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), intra-African trade is expected to increase by over 50% in the coming years.
Stone Africa aims to be a key enabler of this growth by:
- Connecting African producers with regional buyers
- Facilitating partnerships across borders
- Supporting the shift from raw export to value-added production
About Stone Africa
Organized by Vision Fairs, Stone Africa is an international B2B exhibition dedicated to marble, granite, natural stone, and related technologies. The exhibition serves as a strategic meeting point for Africa, the Middle East, and global markets, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, and industry professionals under one roof.
