Botswana, the world�s leading diamond producer, is closely monitoring BHP Billiton's bid to acquire Anglo American, which controls their diamond venture through De Beers.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi, speaking to CNBC Africa at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas, emphasized that although Botswana has not been approached directly regarding the matter, the government is prepared to defend its interests in De Beers, of which it holds a 15 percent stake. De Beers and the Botswana government jointly own Debswana Diamond, the world's largest diamond producer by value.

Masisi highlighted in an interview with Fifi Peters that the value of De Beers is essentially generated by Botswana, emphasizing that De Beers' existence is reliant on Botswana's contributions.

BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company, has proposed a bid of approximately $39 billion for Anglo American's copper mines, excluding its Botswana and South African assets in Debswana, Kumba Iron Ore, and Anglo American Platinum. Anglo has rebuffed the offer, arguing that it undervalues its efforts to create value for shareholders.

Analysts speculate that BHP may consider a second bid and could face competition from commodities producer Glencore. South African Mines Minister Gwede Mantashe, who has engaged with Anglo executives, has expressed keen interest in the developments, asserting that Botswana is a crucial stakeholder in the value creation of De Beers.

BHP's proposal includes the suggestion that Anglo divest its shares in units Anglo Platinum and Kumba Iron Ore as an option to exit the South African assets not included in the deal, although there has been no official statement regarding De Beers.