Although information on the indigenous uses of the African blueberry is almost non-existent in literature, the fruits are edible and tasty, and are suitable for desserts or can be used to produce a pleasant jam. Vaccinium berries are generally utilised as fresh or dried fruit, processed as jam or jellies, preserves used in pastry products, as juice and even in wines, and Christmas decorations, but as the African blueberry is not commercially available because of its restricted natural distribution range it is only utilised locally and mainly by indigenous people.

One of the  general attributes of the berries of Vaccinium species is that they are a good source of vitamin C, with very high levels of antioxidants. In clinical studies on animals, blueberries have shown a reduction in the build-up of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which in turn may reduce heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis. Further benefits include the reversal of some aging effects, including loss of coordination and balance, improved short-term memory, and some reverse of a decline in motor skills. Whether blueberries will show the same effect in humans, has not yet been tested. None of the aforementioned properties have been tested on Vaccinium exul, which presents scope for further research.

Plants are very decorative. Cultivated plants in a garden will not only be an asset in terms of their structural value and evergreen foliage, but they will surely attract birds with their fruits. Because the plant is adapted to areas with low winter temperatures it will probably not flower or fruit well if planted in areas that do not have similar environmental attributes equivalent to their natural distribution.