Why was the allied victory in North Africa significant?

Think about war tactics, you won't want to just drive on in willy nilly into enemy territory and be surrounded, right? The Allied victory in North Africa was significant because it provided the Allies with a gateway to Italy, and ultimately Germany.

Clearing North Africa meant that the Allies could invade Sicily, Italy, and southern Europe next.

Victory in North Africa ensured that the Allies had access to oil.

The Axis powers lost a large army trying to defend North Africa.