Africa has the potential to play a significant role in the global energy transition, given its endowment of critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt; however, realising the full potential of these resources requires a strategic approach to developing manufacturing capacity and scaling up production and exports. This was noted in a panel discussion, at the recent Manufacturing Indaba, on how resource extraction and industrialisation offers pathways for African countries to move up the value chain, create high-skilled jobs and foster technological innovation.