Flowing from the concept of the social contract is the view that institutions matter to the objective of development. However, it can be argued that the organisation and distribution of power, both globally and domestically, influence the development of these institutions. The relationship between society and structures of power can be seen either fatalistically (nothing can be done) or positively (there is space for productive engagement with power). Using the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with the context of Sub-Saharan Africa, critically review the opportunities for socially valuable forms of development