Ever seen something incredible online and wondered if it’s too good to be true? A viral video claimed an Ethiopian woman built a plane from a scooter, capturing immense attention. However, our investigation reveals a fascinating twist: the footage actually features a Zambian pilot. The clip was skillfully edited to promote real estate in Addis Ababa. Why do such misleading stories gain so much traction?

The digital landscape in Ethiopia, like many parts of the world, is often a fertile ground for the rapid dissemination of compelling narratives, particularly those celebrating local achievements. However, a recent viral video circulating across popular social media platforms has brought to light a concerning trend of **Social Media Disinformation**, where genuine accomplishments are twisted or fabricated for various purposes.

At the heart of this widespread online deception was a series of posts on Facebook and TikTok, claiming to showcase a groundbreaking feat: an Ethiopian woman who had ingeniously transformed a three-wheeled scooter into a functional small aircraft. These posts, accompanied by a 60-second video with an Amharic overlay, lauded the purported inventor and quickly garnered significant engagement, frequently paired with hashtags promoting **Addis Ababa Real Estate** ventures.

However, an in-depth investigation, crucial for any **Ethiopian Fact Check**, revealed the true origin of the captivating aerial footage, dismantling the sensational claim. The video, far from depicting an Ethiopian innovator, actually featured a **Zambian Pilot** during a flight in South Africa. This significant geographical and personal discrepancy underscores the ease with which information can be distorted and shared across borders.

The central figure in the authentic footage was identified as Chisa, a Zambian aviator, who confirmed to AFP Fact Check that the initial 20 seconds of the viral clip captured her piloting a plane. This genuine footage was reportedly filmed on June 25, 2025, at Wonderboom National Airport in Pretoria, South Africa, where Chisa currently resides, offering a clear and verifiable account of the event.

Further investigation exposed the sophisticated layering of misinformation within the video. While the core footage authentically showed Chisa flying, the version widely circulated in Ethiopia had been meticulously edited. This editing involved seamlessly incorporating images of distinct buildings found in Addis Ababa, strategically placed to give the impression of an Ethiopian context and subtly promote local real estate, thus serving an underlying commercial agenda.

This particular incident highlights a broader issue of digital misinformation in Ethiopia, where false narratives are often deployed to influence political discourse, shape public perception, and, as seen here, even attract followers and generate financial gain through online promotions. This constitutes a concerning **African News Hoax** that exploits national pride.

The rapid spread of this fabricated story across social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in verifying online content. Users, eager to celebrate national heroes or support local businesses, can inadvertently amplify deceptive campaigns, making critical assessment and official Video Verification tools more essential than ever.

Ultimately, this case underscores the imperative for social media users to exercise discernment and for platforms to enhance their mechanisms for identifying and mitigating the spread of false information. As digital content continues to evolve, distinguishing genuine achievements from cunningly crafted hoaxes remains a crucial skill in navigating the complexities of the modern information age.