Vachellia xanthophloea are planted next to dams and streams on farms to control soil erosion, as a live fence or hedge and in ornamental planting for shade and shelter in amenity areas. It is often planted as a source of firewood, but its gummy sap leaves a thick, black, tar like residue when burnt. The timber is used to make poles and posts. The leaves and pods are used to provide food for livestock while the young branches and foliage are eaten by African elephants while giraffe and vervet monkeys eat the pods and leaves. It is a nitrogen fixer, so improves soil fertility