Informal financial systems, such as hawala and sufi, have long been an integral part of African financial culture. These systems share some similarities with cryptocurrencies, making them a natural fit for many Africans. Here are some ways in which informal financial systems resemble cryptocurrencies:

1. _Decentralized_: Informal financial systems operate outside of traditional banking channels, much like cryptocurrencies.

2. _Trust-based_: Hawala and sufi rely on trust and reputation within communities, similar to the trustless, decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies.

3. _Peer-to-peer_: Informal financial systems facilitate direct transactions between individuals, cutting out intermediaries.

4. _Low costs_: Transactions within these systems often have lower costs compared to traditional banking.

5. _Accessibility_: Informal financial systems are often more accessible to the unbanked population, as they don't require formal identification or banking history.

6. _Speed_: Transactions are often faster than traditional banking, with funds transferring quickly across borders.

7. _Security_: Informal financial systems have developed their own security measures, such as codes and passwords, to protect transactions.

The similarities between informal financial systems and cryptocurrencies have made it easier for many Africans to understand and adopt digital currencies. In fact, some argue that cryptocurrencies are simply a digital extension of these traditional informal financial systems.