How Finder thinks

Search that understands
what you actually mean.

Most search engines match keywords. Finder Africa matches intent. Our hybrid search combines three layers of AI to find the right product even when you don't know exactly what to call it.

Three layers of understanding

Why traditional search fails — and how we fix it

Layer 1
BM25

Keyword search

The foundation. Matches exact words and phrases in product titles, descriptions, and tags. Fast and precise when you know the exact term.

Example

"Samsung A55 128GB" → finds exact model listings

Limitation

Fails when you use different words than the vendor used.

Layer 2
Vector embeddings

Semantic search

Goes beyond words to understand meaning. Uses AI language models to grasp context, synonyms, and intent — even in Swahili or mixed language.

Example

"Simu ya bei nafuu na camera nzuri" → understands budget phone with good camera

Layer 3
RelativeScoreFusion α=0.75

Fusion ranking

Combines scores from both layers using a weighted algorithm. Keyword precision gets 25% weight, semantic relevance gets 75% — tuned for Kenyan market search behaviour.

Example

"Red dress for office" → ranks by combined relevance, not just keyword match

Live demo

See hybrid search in action

Walk through a real search session on Finder Africa.

finder africa — hybrid search
Real queries, real results

Searches that would break other platforms

Fashion

"Red midi dress for an office party"

Finds formal red midi dresses from fashion vendors — understands occasion context

Multilingual

"Nguo ya bei nafuu Nairobi"

Finds affordable clothing in Nairobi — understands Swahili price language

Style-based

"Something like a bohemian living room"

Returns cushions, rugs, and decor pieces matching boho aesthetic

Local + condition

"Second hand sofa near Westlands"

Finds used sofas from home decor vendors in the Westlands area

Contextual

"Curtains to match a grey wall"

Returns curtain options that complement neutral interiors

Descriptive

"Dress for a plus size woman under 3000"

Returns extended size fashion within budget — no exact size number needed

Experience it yourself

Download the Finder app and search for anything — in any language, any way you think of it.