 This paper examines the role of transnational communities of practice, COPS, in the diffusion of performance-based financing, PBF, in sub-Saharan Africa, SSA. It finds that COPS have played a critical role in facilitating the adoption of PBF in SSA, despite the fact that they were largely composed of high-income country, HIC, members. The COPS provided a platform for knowledge sharing and emulation between African and HIC members, which helped to shape the implementation of PBF in SSA. Furthermore, the COPS emphasis on Africa-led initiatives and the promotion of experiential knowledge exchanges, contributed to the success of PBF diffusion in SSA. This article was authored by Laura Gauthier, Manuela de Allegri and Valerie Rida.